STAMFORD BRIDGE OF SIGHS
October 2, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Chelsea 2, Everton 1
Both clubs have a lot of building up to do, if they are to get away from the bottom of the table. The winners were not one whit better than the losers in point of football craft and it was a disappointed crowd which left Stamford Bridge after one of the most dreary matches they have ever seen. Both teams showed an over anxiety not conductive to good football. It was obvious the players were mortally afraid in to failing they knew were right in case they made a slip and were made to answer for their errors. The talking point of the match was Everton’s penalty award, Buckle’s shot would definitely have gone to the back of the net had not Saunders tipped the ball over the bar. The penalty miss, in my opinion denied Everton victory. There is no forgiveness for the player who misses a penalty and Wainwright has done it twice this season. It was the death blow to Everton. Chelsea came along with a second goal and hung on to it to the end. “Will nothing ever go right for us,” one can visualize Everton players saying “Truly the run of the green was against them; put that apart they played only in glimpse here and there, with a progressive football. Mr. Cliff Britton was not pleased to hear this latest defeat. I hope this mission has moved successful for it is obvious that all is not well with the present Everton. It needs an infusion of new blood. The position demands a desperate remedy for each defeat brings greater tension to the players.
Eglington’s Goal
The one bright spot in Everton’s performance was their goal. Beautifully engineered, Farrell and Fielding were admirably taken it was by Eglington whose trusty left foot shot left Medhurst watching the ball swirl past him. O’Neill was not an so competent as usual, I thought he should have cut out Gray’s centre before it landed on Campbell’s head and several times he fumbled the ball. Then Farrell kicked off the line when two Chelsea forwards had only to tap the ball over. Chelsea tried to be too intricate and as a consequence missed their way, Gray’s goal had a trace of good fortune about it, for the ball slithered off Moore’s boot and went out to the scorer. Lindley got another knock on this injured eye and played under a handicap. Clinton also had an eye injury, but he had a grand first half. Farrell linked up with Fielding and Eglington to provide us with the high-note of the match –the Everton goal.

STANDARD MUST IMPROVE
October 2, 1950, The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
The seriousness of Everton’s position has increased following their fifth successive defeat, and they are now back at the bottom of the First Division for the first time since November 6, 1948, when they had eight points from 16 matches. Today they have six points from 11 games. The position was made the more desperate at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, when Eddie Wainwright, for the second time in three matches, missed with a penalty. While the missing of a penalty is not expected, it is in keeping with Everton’s luck, and definitely was an injustice to the Blues. It was a case of the offended club being punished. Medhurst was beaten by Buckle’s shot which went over his head, and it was entering the net when centre half Saunders acted as emergency goalkeeper to turn the ball over the top. All that the referee could do was to award the penalty for Everton themselves to right the wrong, but Eddie, who used to be so sure, fired the ball straight at Medhurst and away went Chelsea to profit by error and grab both points to enable them to hand over position 22 o Everton.
Manager Cliff Britton was away “scouting” on Saturday, thus showing the keen desire of the club to secure that additional power which so patiently has become an essential. Yet seeking and securing are two entirely different matters and it is up to the players themselves to fling defiance into the face of adversity and provide their own solution to the evils. There is ability and there is the spirit to help them, provided they will shake off an inferiority complex which has re-acting against them and forget the yesterday in an earnest determination to live for a more successful and brighter tomorrow.
Turning Point
The turning point of the game at Stamford Bridge which Chelsea won 2-1, was the penalty, according to colleague Radar, who points out that this was another effort on the part of Wainwright to take penalties in his new way. “How unprofitable it can be to try and place a penalty was exemplified in the latest chapter of the Everton misfortune story,” he writes.
“For the second time Wainwright tried to direct his penalty instead of hitting it as h used to do, and that miss swung the game, for Everton were at the time right on top, following Eglington’s grand equalizer to the Campbell-headed goal. Just as there is no excuse for missing penalties, there is no excuses for missing the other chances which came Everton’s way in a colorless display, which showed neither side in a happy light. Chelsea almost went right away after their escape for the Everton defence to be caught on the hop and Gray won the match. In the first half Everton played like a team which expected goals to be scored against them, and the tantalizing Chelsea were not one whit better, but in the second half Everton were clearly the masters. Everton were unlucky not to take a point but having stated that, they were still far from being an impressive force. O’Neill was to some extent at fault with the first goal and did not always inspire confidence; Clinton had a grand first half, but was handicapped later by a cut over the eye; Moore was the most-complete defender of all, and the fact that little was seen of Bentley was tribute to the hardworking Lindley who received a cut over the eye which was cut at Stoke recently. While not as accurate in construction as they might have been. Grant and Farrell were industrious, Buckle was slow to accept chances; Catterick was given no scope; and Wainwright and Eglington were the most dangerous raiders. This standard will not turn the tide for Everton, however.

OTHER DEFEAT
October 2, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
The same mission each week and all are screaming for new talent. One or two players would most likely do the trick but they have got to be the right ones. Just another player is not sufficient. It is easy to write out a cheque, but not so easy to get the man or men you want. Cliff Britton and his board are fully aware of the position but are not going to be involved in panic buying (writes Stork).
Everton’s position is weighing heavily on the player’s minds. They go out to do their utmost, but it is not good enough and that is the crux of the whole position. They are so overwrought with anxiety that they cannot do the things which come normal to a player. The fear that he will make a wrong move is ever present in the mind – not the best weapon with which to enter into any game. Don’t think I am making excuses but if you have played games you will understand the feelings of the Everton players, for as you know, when things are going wrong, everything seems to pile up against you. The game in London on Saturday had so little in it, that it will almost be forgotten, for, apart from the Everton goal, here was little left to make it a happy memory. While admitting the game was of poor quality I think Everton were worthy of at least a draw, for they were robbed of a goal when Saunders deliberately punched Buckle’s shot over the bar. Barring that infringement, that shot would have been a goal. A penalty is never a certainty. Oh yes, I know it should be but Wainwright fired the shot straight at Medhurst who turned it aside.
• Everton Res 1, Burnley Res 1
• Bootle Res 1, Everton “A” 1
• South Liverpool “A” 0, Everton “B” 7

NO TEAM SELECTION
October 3, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton will not announce their side until later; Wainwright is nursing an ankle injury, Lindley’s cut eye is still a little troublesome and O’Neill has a heavy cold.
Everton are giving a fortnight’s trial to a 19-year-old half back, named Furze, who comes from Edenwood, a junior team in the North-east.

FULHAM’S SELECTED
October 5, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
When Liverpool were at craven Cottage a fortnight ago they found Fulham a better side, particularly in attack, than many folk gave them credit for. Everton are at the Cottage on Saturday, and will need to pull out the very best of which they are capable to get any tangible reward. Fulham bring Bob Thomas back to inside left in place of Brennan, who plays for Ireland against England at Belfast. As outside right Campbell is also playing for Ireland, Fulham have to make a further change in their front line. Fulham; Black; Pavitt, Bacuzzi; Quested, Taylor, Lowe (E.); Stevens, Macauley, Jezzard, Thomas, Hinshelwood or MCDonald.

SAGAR AND McNAMARA
October 6, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Ted Sagar Everton’s veteran goalkeeper, returns in his 22nd season at Goodison, against Fulham at Craven Cottage owing to O’Neill being down with influenza and Humphreys is also down with the same complain. Sagar who will be 41 next February last played for Everton in the concluding game of last season and he made his 430th League appearance. He has played in four Central League match this season. Elsewhere the Blues defence is unchanged but the constitution of the attack will not be decided until just before the start. Tony McNamara 21-year-old reserve outside right is among the six forwards named. Should McNamara play it will be his debut in the senior side. He joined Everton three seasons ago from St. Matthews’s Evening Institute. If Everton can bring back both points it might give them a very welcome lift in the table for both Chelsea and Sheffield Wednesday who are just above them, have stiff away matches with Blackpool and Manchester United respectively. A little bit of luck would not come a miss for a change –or before time. from what I saw of Fulham against Liverpool, however I am not too hopeful of success, although the absence of their two Irish internationals, Brennan and Campbell may take some of the sting out of the Cottagers attack. Fulham; Black; Pavitt, Bacuzzi; Quested, Taylor, Lowe (E.); Stevens, Macauley, Jezzard, Thomas, Hinshelwood or MCDonald. Everton; Sagar; Clinton, Moore; Grant, Lindley, Farrell; forwards from; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Fielding, Eglington, McNamara.
Everton Reserves (home to Derby County Reserves); Burnett; Saunders, Rankin; G.K. Cross, Jones, Melville; Harris, Donovan, McIntosh, Hampson, Parker.

NO LUXURY SHOPS FOR BILLY HIGGINS EX - EVERTON
Hull Daily Mail - Saturday 07 October 1950
Ex-Everton footballer Billy Higgins strolled among the luxury shops on board the liner Queen Elizabeth in New York today —but stayed outside. Higgins was reported to be virtually penniless when he embarked after buying a cowboy outfit for his son Billy, a doll for daughter Helen and nylons for his wife. Higgins, who has given up his job with the Millonarios Bogota, Colombia, said he has sold his home in Liverpool and does not know where he will go unless his brother at Bromborough, Cheshire, will help him. The Millonarios paid his passage home, but Higgins had less than 100 dollars (about £35) when he reached New York, " I am not getting any younger," he said, after expressing the hope that he would not be placed under a long suspension if he applied for reinstatement in English football. He had not decided definitely whether he would play again. Higgins was accompanied by his wife and two children.

EVERTON RECALL SAGAR
October 7, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton, another club still without an away victory, cannot hold out much hope of succeeding at Fulham, a strong fast moving side, who, a fortnight ago, sent Liverpool away pointless from Craven Cottage. The Goodison club have recalled Sagar, who though he had retired from league football last may after 21 years service with the club deputises for O’Neill (Influeza) in goal. The remaining of the defence shows no change, but the formation of the attack will not be decided until this morning. McNamara, a 21-year-old outside-right is amongst 6 players named from the forwards will be selected. The Everton team will be;- Sagar; Clinton, Moore; Grant, Lindley, Farrell; forwards from; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Fielding, Eglington, McNamara.

CROWD GASP, FULHAM STUNNED, AS -
EVERTON FORWARDS RUN RIOT IN BRILLIANT GOAL-SCORING SPREE
October 7, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Fulham 1, Everton 5
By Contact
Fulham;- Black, goal; Pavitt and Bacuzzi, backs; Quested, Taylor and Lowe (E.), half-backs; Hinshelwood, Macauley, Jezzard, Thomas and Stevens, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Clinton and Moore, backs; Grant, Lindley, and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. T.W. Rand (Durham). Wainwright was found to be fit and so McNamara, the local boy, was not called on for Everton’s game against Fulham though he was present. Ted Sagar, with but five Central League matches to his credit, came in for his 431st League appearance. Manager Cliff Britton was with the party in London, but did not accompany the team here. Oscar Hold recovering from foot trouble –he has had poisoned toss-came along to report progress and see the match. In the Fulham side was winger Hinshelwood whom Everton last met when he played for the Army against them two seasons ago. Another in the Army team of that day who made good was Halsall of Huddersfield. This annual fixture Everton tackle again on Monday, when opportunity will be there for a further trial of McNamara. The early moments were hard ones for Everton and the ball was scarcely away from their penalty box. Fortunately they covered up well and Sagar had only two minor catches to make. No doubt he was relieved to make then successfully after his long lay-off. Everton’s only real thrust produced a long shot by Buckle, but he was so far out and Black had such a long view of what was coming that there was never much prospect of a goal. On the other hand, when Quested misjudged a Catterick centre, there was a fair chance of Buckle slamming the ball home. His shot was deflected early in its flight. Moore received just reward for his labours when he got the ball to touch against Hinshelwood, when the odds were against him and the crowd showed their appreciation of the enemy. Stevens, coming in fast to a high ball from the right, headed under the ball too much, whereas Lindley, a moment later, made perfect contact with a clearance when things looked ominous. Catterick, finding Eglington with a fine pass then went outside right with Buckle to collect the too-strong centre, and eventually Catterick ended the movement with a lobbed shot which passed beyond the far angle.
Conceded Corner
It was football with little fire or conviction but Everton were more in the game than at any other time, and Bacuzzi became sp panickes as to concede a corner from an Eglington centre when he might have done better. Farrell going up at speed, and brushing off all challenges, went on to make a sharp low shot which passed only a few feet wide. Fulham worked the ball far too close in attack, and the Everton crowding tactics paid them well. The only Fulham shot of value, to date, was by Thomas. It swung off the mark as Sagar tried vainly to cover it. Bacuzzi by dummying his way to a left wing centre, opened the way beyond double for a Thomas goal, but the only half connected and Sagar looked a surprised man as he made the simplest of pick-ups, almost on the line. Best bit of defence was by Lowe, ex-Villa, who made a spectacular overhead clearance against the careering Buckle. Fulham’s indifferent finishing left Everton with good hope. Twenty-two minutes had gone when Everton scored through Catterick. Wainwright edging the ball as he was tackled, found Buckle with his pass and the winger hit it promptly, left foot into the centre, where Catterick came sailing in fast to head a glorious goal. Wainwright went near to heading number two, again from Buckle’s centre, before Stevens, coming back to make a clearance, nearly gave a corner when he slashed hopelessly.
Right on Top.
Everton, now right on top were full of confidence and ideas, and Buckle, from Wainwright’s cross-field pass, tried a quick pulling shot, which Black scrambled after, as it beat the post. A Buckle shot, none too well fielded by Black, spun from the goakeeeper’s grip and was swirling on the line as he finally regained possession. Thomas, boring through seemed likely to equalize, but his finishing was no better than previously. At 29 minutes, Everton went two up. Buckle again was the lead. He strode on purposefully from Wainwright’s prompting and centred to Catterick, who this time failed to make contact perfectly with a header. The ball, however, returned to Buckle, and his second centre found Catterick standing perfectly placed to score with Bacuzzi standing on the line to prevent what must otherwise have been an offside verdict. Everton seemed almost too stunned to realize they were two-nothing in the lead. Moreover when Eglington and Fielding exchanged goal No3 was not far from Eglington’s ready shooting boot. Everton have never played with more success this season. The crowd was surprised –one might say aghast –at their forward showing. Fielding made it 3-0 from a free kick given against Lowe after 34 minutes. Wainwright took the free kick, and before Fulham could appreciate what had happened the ball was at Fielding’s feet, and then in the net.
Out of the Picture, Then –
For half an hour Fulham had been completely out of the picture. Now at 38 minutes they came back into it, with a goal, nothing less than tragic for Sagar. Hinshelwood flung over a simple centre, Sagar went up gingerly, but with care, to make his catch and then to our dismay the ball spun from his hands and over the line. Catterick made it 4-1 two minutes before the interval. The Everton line moved sweetly in unison, and from Eglington’s centre came a shooting chance for Wainwright. He took rather too long to hit a big shot and was crowded out. But the ball went to Catterick. In spite of the goalmouth being crowded and in spite of Black coming out to him as he collected the ball, he first side-tracked the goalkeeper, and then drove the ball home – a magnificent goal. Black made a good save from a Buckle cross-shot. Lindley suffered a blow to the head right on the interval when he made a head away. He soon recovered. Though Everton fans may not believe it, they can take it that the half-time score was;-
Fulham 1, Everton 4.
The Fulham wingers switched places at the start of the second half. Within a minute Catterick fought for and won the ball on the right wing, touchline, centred to the only Everton forward up –Eglington – whose flashing header produced a fine Black save. Everton’s improvement I think, was due to two main factors. One they were getting reasonable breaks, and two, all the front liners were working on the all up principle. They did their defensive duties but ran into forward positions with more conviction and enthusiasm then usual. All the spice and spirit seemed to have left the game, and Everton, by tending to individualize, where they had succeeded so well in combined play, and themselves no service. Fulham seemed to have written the game off, but when Stevens took the ball up to the goal-line and pulled it back to Thomas, Sagar had come out, and only Clinton remained at home “to deal with the shot as he stood on the goal line. Quested was nearly involved in a penalty “incident” when aiming Catterick’s centre from the incoming Fielding were no response from the referee. Black who had been jittery all day, pulled down Fielding’s on the turn shot, and turn was away from him. Final; Fulham 1, Everton 5.

PETER FARELL DISCUSSES THE EVERTON OUTLOOK
October 7, 1950, The Liverpool Football Echo
I am glad to have this opportunity of writing for the football followers of Merseyside and particularly supporters of Everton. At the same time I regret the opportunity should come through the unfortunate indisposition of Albert Stubbins who is nursing a nasty nose injury sustained in last Saturday’s game against Bolton. I know I am voicing the sentiments of all followers of the game, and particularly those living at Merseyside when I wish Albert a very speedy recovery. We acknowledge him as not only one of our finest footballers but also one of its real gentlemen. Albert is a model to all in this conduct on and off the field. I am also sorry that as I write Everton should occupy the lowest possible position in the League table, but I sincerely trust that before long we shall have moved up to a more respectable position. A lot of criticism has been directed at our boys in recent weeks through different sources and while some of it may be deserved because of some rather indifferent displays given by as this season, I can also point to some games in which we have been most unfortunate not to gain one or even two points. Against Newcastle for instance, who are still unbeaten at the top of the League, we were most unlucky not to come away with a victory. As regards Arsenal, who are only a point behind the leaders we were again unlucky not to add a further two or three points to our tally as a result of the two games against them.
We Can Hold Our Own
Considering we defeated Middlesbrough, who are also among the first three in the League table, I think we have shown that on the standard of play, we can hold our own with the best teams in the division, even through the results themselves were not always as we would have liked. This brings me to last Saturday’s game against Chelsea, I feel sure that had we converted the penalty which we got when at Chelsea full back prevented Ted Buckle’s shot from entering the net, we would have run out easy winners. Chelsea had two goal-scoring chances in the game and yet got both points. I could write on this Chelsea incident which reacted very badly for us, but Ranger tells me he is dealing with that aspect of it in his own article, so I leave the matter to him. I know there are no points given for bad luck in football –sometimes I wish there were. I believe however, that of the six points to our credit so far, none were secured that we didn’t fully deserve in every respect. On the other hand, had we also got from the other games, what we deserve on the general run of the play we would now be in a fairly respectable position in the table.
The Main Problem
However, it is no use crying over spilled milk. Our big problem at the moment is to start climbing again. I can assure out supporters that the boys will do all in their power, by fighting every inch of the way to put Everton back in the position you would like to see us. To all Everton players the Goodison club is one of the grandest in the country. We are all proud to belong to it and anxious to see it back on that high pedestal where it really belongs.

EVERTON RES V DERBY RES
October 7, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Referee; Mr. R. Hall (Blackpool).
Everton held the monopoly of the play and in the fifteenth minute Parker gave them the lead. The Blues front line gave a fine display and would have increased the lead and Derby not adopted the offside game. In the fortieth minute Everton went further ahead, McIntosh scoring after Harris had paved the way. Half-time; Everton Res 2, Derby Res 0
Earle v. Everton “A”
In the early stages the visitors were able to concentrate on attack, Robertson saved brilliantly from Woods. Earle came into the picture with a clever header from Hanley which Leyland tipped over the bar. Half-time; Earle nil, Everton “A” nil.

SUBSTANCE AT FULHAM , SHADOW AT SPURS
October 9, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Fulham 1, Everton 5
Dear Mr. Cliff Britton I am sorry as you must be that when you went to Tottenham on Saturday to watch Potts, of Burnley, you missed your own side’s fantastically fine 5-1 win at Fulham. I am sorry, too, when the half-time scorers went up at White Hart Lane you read Fulham 2, Everton 2, when in fact, Everton were leading at 4-1. But even 2-2 must have been something of a surprise and joy to you, and you know, however belatedly, that Everton eventually won 5-1 made the day, one of the most notable since you came to Everton as manager. You will want to know how a side which had lost all but one of their previous seven games should suddenly blossom against a team who have not had five goals against them at Fulham, within living memory. And 100,000 Liverpool students of football, many of whom have been saying unkind things about this team of yours, will be equally puzzled. For this reason I feel it would be best to try to explain the vast swung from defeat after defeat to a match in which your players looked to be more than adequate to maintain a more comfortable, and happier, place than one at the extreme south end of the league’s table. I must explain that for ten minutes there was no hint of Everton winning much less winning by 5-1. On the contrary if any side seemed destined for 5-1 it was Fulham. They so outplayed you it seemed only a matter of time before Sagar was continuing where O’Neill let off, picking the ball from the back of the net.
Weathered Test
But Fulham, full of craft, were too laterals in their approaches. With a goal on either touchline they would have been more penetrative, and in this testing opening spell your defence so cluttered up and countered Fulham’s attack the expected goals not only never came, but never looked likely to come. For Fulham the day’s pleasure ended there. Catterick headed a brilliant goal and soon afterwards added another. Then Fielding, who is not often so far up in the firing line, made his contribution. Sandwiched between Catterick’s third and his side’s fourth goal –a commendable bit of chance taking –was the strange interlude in which Sagar did what O’Neill could have done, mishandled a very greasy ball from a simple centre to provide Fulham with some sort of recovery chance, if they could take it. Not only did your players hold Fulham with an ease which created the impression they were satisfied to visit the game out, on a 4-1 lead, they added a fifth goal, Buckle’s as the finish flourish to a wonderful competent display. If it had been six, or even seven-one Fulham could not have complained. Collateral form is very misleading, but there must be valid reason for the vast discrepancy between Everton during the past six weeks and Everton as they were for this ninety minutes. There are two reasons. The main one, I think is that the ball ran reasonably well for them. That has not been the case in their more recent matches. The second reason I make to be the more positive approaches of the attack to their job. Wainwright and Fielding were noticeable more in the picture up-front, as it were, than I have ever seen them before. And more important they delved for the ball in their customary sphere of actively and then dashed forward into open spaces to force those draught-board advantage a forward line has when five-up and three or four defenders to play.
Permeated Team
Was it surprising when the ball was moved so fluently and so accurately, that the improvement permeated into the half-back line and even to the full backs? It was a great joy to see Peter Farrell not only radiant in his side’s change of fortune, but smiling his way through having been the best half-backs on the field. If Jezzard is potential England stuff then Maurice Lindley, despite his further blow to hit back and lacerated eye is a Franklin. He mastered Jezzard so thoroughly that that player was never seen. Clinton and Moore playing in front of a man who may have given them a boost in confidence, played well, too though once Everton took command there were long spells when they could rest and recuperate. It would be hard to name Everton’s best forward I should say Buckle has never played better, with a complete repertoire of shots, centre and football nous (which he has in such a marked degree). He had a foot in most of the goals. Catterick’s change of fortune came deservedly. His three goals were all excellently taken. He will derive much confidence as will the side as a whole from succeeding so outstandingly. It would like to see Wainwright and Fielding give further evidence of this new desire to be up and doing when attacks reach their crucial points. They both played exceedingly well. Whether this was a new and more positive policy or not I do not know but it was as refreshing as it was punishing on Fulham. As to that more thoughtful and better-equipped Eglington, he had no goal to report, but he could scarcely have done more than he did. That Sagar damaged a shoulder ligament late in the game and will not be able to play for you, today against the Army at Aldershot, Mr. Britton is a blow but I understand steps have been taken to bring Leyland down as replacement. Sagar may not be fit to play next Saturday. I am with you now in wondering after this Everton win, whether your journey to Tottenham was strictly necessarily, if Everton persist in their new-found confidence and ability, it certainly was not, but as a precautionary measure I suppose you must continue to complete with the rest of the football world for Potts signature.
• Everton Res 2, Derby County Res 1
• Earle 1, Everton “A” 0
• Everton “B” 0, Earlestown Res 4

EVERTON “SAGA”
October 9, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Bravo Everton
No Cravens at the Cottage
Ranger’s Notes
Ted Sagar, recalled by Everton at 40 years of age, came back to a winning side at Fulham (writes Contact). Unfortunately he brushed his shoulder in a late save and will not be fit to play for Everton against the Army at Aldershot today.
Leyland of the “A” team will replace him, Sagar may not be ready for Saturday’s match against Bolton, at Goodison Park when we shall have further opportunity of seeing the new Everton against the side which won so solidly against Portsmouth. Although he has played only five Central League games this year, Sagar came out of his 431st League match creditably dispute his mishandling of the centre which produced Fulham’s only goal. I am quite happy to be of use to the club,” he told me. “If they feel playing me in worthwhile, if I give any little extra confidence to the lads I am delighted. Manager Cliff Britton, at Tottenham looking at Potts may no pursuit this venture further if Everton continue their new form. It was unbelievably good, yet there have been signs for a long time that if the breaks went their way they would get better results. In this case Catterick with three goals has probably never played better in a line which was so accurate and confident and punishing in its finishing. Fulham might well have been beaten by six or seven goals. Wainwright and Fielding both had splendid matches and having made their initial pass were always chasing forward into the open spaces to go further in the movements. They were more to the picture than they have been for months. Buckle at the best on they right wing has never played better. Besides his goal, the fifth he kept up an important of centres and feeling passes. What surprised Fulham as much as the 1-5 tickets was the way Maurice Lindley closed down on Jezzard. Maurice had a grand match despite a painful eye injury which had not healed properly and which was opened up again in this match. For once Farrell had no cause for worry. He did more than anyone to engineer a wonderful victory and it was hardly surprising that for the last ten minutes at least be wore the smile which would not come off. As for Fulham they started like lions and finished like lambs and their “support” was so vindlettively disappointed over them, they gave Everton an ovation at half-back and again at the end. More of the form will put Everton severely on the way to a new era.

CATTERICK BLOW FOR EVERTON
October 10, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Army 0, Everton 2
By Leslie Edwards
Harry Catterick, the Everton centre forward, who jumped into form with three goals at Fulham on Saturday, pulled a thigh muscle playing against the Army at Aldershot, yesterday, and is likely to be out of the game for three weeks at least. Catterick was two yards ahead of the Army centre half. Charles when the damage was done. Charles who is the biggest and probably the best to arrive in football since “Dixie” Dean saw Catterick go down. He banged the ball straight to touch and bent down to attend to the Everton player. This is the first serious injury, Everton have had in eighteen years of playing against the Army. Added to Sagar’s knock on Saturday –he had to leave the party to go home for treatment –was the injury yesterday to Fielding who is suffering from a bruises ankle. Everton once again were too good for their Army hosts. They won by two goals, one from Catterick after 20 minutes and one by Wainwright 20 minutes before the end and immediately after Catterick had left the field. Each goal was provided by Buckle who is now beginning to justify all the things I have said about him in the past.
Everton Crispness
The Army side was adequate in defence, but fell hopelessly short in the front line. Most of their players are professional and belong to some League club or other but the difference between second and first-class professional football was evident by Everton’s crisp and fluent movement of the ball against the Army’s rather ragged and almost laboured work. However football and Wales and Leeds United in particularly have discovered the most astounding youth centre half I have ever seen. The name Trooper W.J. Charles of the 12th Royal Lancers. At 18-years -10 months he has almost the physique of a Carnera. He has an ungainly gait but in action he fitts about with an ampleness of a lightweight winger. His use of the ball was magnificent and although Everton for the most part could afford to take liberties with the rest of them, there were times when Troopers Charles took liberties with Everton and got away with them.
Moore Does Well
Lindley, Everton captain for the day in the absence of Farrell, for whom Bentham deputized ably was the middle piece of an Everton defence which never seemed to remote danger of conceding a goal, much less being on the losing side. Moore played particularly well. In goal Leyland, who came in for Sagar made a good first impression. Before the match the Everton chairman Mr. W. R. Williams and directors Ernest Green and John Sharp were entertained at lunch by Major General Horne, chairman of the Army F.A. and Major-General Swiney (a vice-president of the Army F.A). Everton despite the Catterick blow intend to preserve this traditional match against the Army as long as they can and they feel that this one misfortune in eighteen years of competition is not a bad casualty average.

BLOW FOR BLUES
October 10, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Catterick’s Misfortune
Pulled Thigh Muscle May Keep Him Out for Three Weeks
Ranger’s Notes
Just when it appeared that Everton’s ill-luck had changed and that the forward line was beginning to knit together as a lively striking force, there comes another heavy blow in the injury received by Catterick at Aldershot yesterday, which may keep him out of the team for a week or two. Catterick has pulled a thigh muscle an injury which sometimes yields to treatment fairly quickly but may on occasions be stubborn and troublesome for quite a while. It will not be known definitely until later just how long it is likely to be before he can resume training. Although this is the first serious mishap to be befall any Everton player in these annual friendly games against the Army, which were first started some years before the war. It could not have come at a more awkward time. Fielding is also suffering from a bruised ankle, but in his case it is hoped he will be fit for Saturday. Everton will thus have one change at least forced on them in their forward line against Bolton Wanderers at Goodison Park on Saturday. Bolton are a much improved side lately and will give the Blues a stern test.
Langton Back?
We saw now the Wanderers could fight back against a two-goal deficit at Anfield a fortnight ago. They followed this up by a convincing win a against Portsmouth on Saturday, so it becomes obvious that Everton will have to be in their best Fulham mood to make sure of both points. Bolton do not choose their side until later, but they tell me they have no injuries to worry them, and the only change anticipated is the return of Bob Langton in placed of the 17-year-old Alan beards, who made his debut last week within seven days of becoming a professional. The probable team will therefore read; Bolton; Hanson; Ball, Kennedy; Howe, Gillies, Barrass; Hughes, Moir, Lofthouse, Webster, Langton.
After forteiting 19 goals in their first five games Bolton have suffered the defence to such purpose by the introduction of two new young backs in Ball and Kennedy that they have given away only five in the subsequent six engagements in four of which have kept a clean sheet.
Young Attack
The Wanderers also have one of the youngest forward lines in the country including an 18-years-old inside left discovery in Terry Webster who has scored five goals in his six senior appearances this term, and 19-years-old Hughes at outside right. Centre forward Nat Lofthouse is among the leading First Division marksmen with eight goals to his credit. Everton have taken only one point from their last four home fixtures and have not won at Goodison since defeating Middlesbrough in the mid-week match on August 30. A home victory is obviously overdue and after the Fulham performance their supporters will go along on Saturday in the confident hope that the visit of Bolton will produce it even without Catterick.

EVERTON HAVE CATTERICK, FIELDING ON INJURY LIST
October 10, 1950. The Evening Express
By Pilot
Everton, following their great revival at Fulham, now have two of their star forwards, Harry Catterick and Wally Fielding on the injury list in addition to Ted Sagar. Catterick pulled a muscle at Aldershot yesterday when Everton beat the Army through Catterick and Wainwright goals, and may he not fit to resume for three weeks. So far as Saturday’s game with Bolton Wanderers is concerned, it s hoped that Fielding and Sagar will be fit. Sagar returned from London on Sunday morning, so that he could have expert treatment for his shoulder injury.

THE PADRE IS AN EVERTONIAN
October 11, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Of all followers of Everton in the city none was more pleased they won 5-1 at Fulham than the Rev Levi Dawson, of Warbeck Moor Methodist Church. It is the Reverend gentleman’s habit, before preaching at Walton goal, to read Saturday’s football results and word has got round that he is an Evertonian. Some of his congregation, not surprisingly, come from the other side of the Park and by divers means they are not slow to let the Rev Dawson know it. Sunday at gaols it is a topic on which I cannot be expected to offer much but I am say that soloists there have been known to begin their programme shrilly with; “Fling wide the gates, and set the prisoner free.” Capping this was the concert party singer whose offering was “Bless This House.” Keeping want and trouble out.” Sunday information, especially news of football is eagerly awaited I know from experience. During the war I went on duty to Cardiff gaol to tell the inmates of the woodious work in B.L.A of 53rd (W) Infantry Division and the prison padre began by reading the newspapers headlines and giving what sports news there was. Before I began he wanted me; “Now don’t make the mistake of beginning by telling them now pleased you are to see so many present.” I had been speaking for twenty minutes when he tapped me on the shoulder and pardoned the intrusion of a warder who shouted; “No 6495” No 6495 treading on every foot in his pew was out of that chapel before any visiting lecturer, however, eager could say another word. What happened to him? I asked afterwards. “Oh” said the padre. Someone came to bail him out.” He had a more personal liberations to worry about.
Far and Wide
Having return last night from Aldershot the football ground not the glasshouse we are talking sport again, one is filled with wonder at the work performed for Army soccer by a handful of officers chief of their Colonel H.M. Prince who gathers his players from far and wide, by signing and almost invariably finds then arriving from far-flung units in time to play. There was a notable absentee from the Army team against Everton and I gathered that the Army would deal with the offender in due course unless the explanation for his how-appearance was reasonable. The Army set great store by this annual Everton game and Manager Cliff Britton was more than a little concerned lest his side lost as in illustrious F.A. eleven once did. A 2-0 win despite Catterick’s injury, was face-saving and in truth Everton were never in danger. Among Liverpoolians present were manager Len Martin and his star boxer. Peter Fallon and a number of unidentifiable khaki-clad figure who shouted encouragement to “Jack-kay” Grant, “Nobby Fielding among others. Fielding, who has mixed recollections of Aldershot, told me that he was graded brick-layer” when joining the R.A. M.C. It is one of the odd-man trades the Medics have. But, discovering his value as a footballer, his unit struck out “bricklayer; and substituted “blood. “transfusion orderly” In vain when he was posted to another unit did Fielding protest that he knew nothing of transfusions but everything about bricklaying. Fielding lost. He finished up a blood transfusion orderly. Which only goes to show what we always suspected –the Army can make you do everything except one.
Doyen Trainer
It is on Aldershot occasions such as this one discovers afresh, what an amount of work goes on in the dressing-room over which Harry Cooke presides. He has done it all so often before most commands given from above are anticipated. His sure touch with injuries; his concern for all, whether they are in the first team or last; his thoroughness – all help to make him the doyen of trainers. And, slamming studded boots on the floor to them of the last speck of mud, he looks more like the keenness of up-and-coming young trainers than a man who has been doing this sort of thing for nearly 30 years. Farrell not even 12th man on this occasion assists with the chores. Here too is the first class servant, the man about whom we heat so little while the public concentrate quite foolishly on football’s birds of passing and their peacock strutting. More and more am I convinced that Farrell is not only a grand player but a man always prepared to sink his own interest for the good of his club. Which brings me to Buckle. In the pass I have rated him so highly critic have suggested my Buckle has been too brilliantly, polished. But Buckle’s genius is still there and at Fulham he was so much in evidence people were asking; “Who is this fellow.” It will be interesting to watch his further progress in an Everton team which seems more likely now to win and win again than any of their post-war sides. At least they have a belief in themselves which they have not had for weeks.

EVERTON AWAIT MEDICAL REPORTS
October 11, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton will have to wait for the medical report concerning Harry Catterick injured in the Army match on Monday, and Fielding who also suffered an ankle injury at Aldershot shot, before they will announce their team to meet Bolton Wanderers at Goodison Park. Ted Sagar is improving, and young O’Neill is getting over his influence, Mr. Cuff Britton had nothing to say about Potts. One change is announced in Bolton Wanderers team, Langton resuming a outside in place of Beards. Hanson; Ball, Kennedy; Howe, Gillies, Barrass; Hughes, Moir, Lofthouse, Webster, Langton.

EVERTON TRIAL FOR EIRE PLAYER
October 12, 1950. The Evening Express
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Everton are giving trials to another youngster from Dublin ; Tommy Cumming’s, an 18-year-old inside right who gained youths honours Cummings who is well built, comes from Dublin, and was a prominent member of the Eire youth’s team which has provided so many good players. The youth’s team has given a great fillip to Irish football, thanks to larger measure to the fact that annually the Eire youth’s and Liverpool County F.A. youths play two fixtures. The arrival at Goodison Park of Cummings means that there are now seven players from Ireland at Goodison Park.

BILLY COOK BACK
October 12, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Billy Cook, the former Everton and Irish international is back home again. He has been in Norway for the last few months, and the result of his coaching may best be judged from the fact that his club, Sports Club Brann has not only reached the final of the Norwegian Cup, but won its way into the National League, the premier league in the country. Billy tells me that football is steadily improving in Norway, as it seems to be in most Continental countries. There is plenty of good talent round and about and all in needs in training and coaching, and the Football Association of Norway are all out to improve the standard of play. Cook has resumed his position as coach to the Cheshire County schoolboys but his heart is set on a managerial job, for he feels he can take his coaching knowledge among the players. He has been training with the Brann players and looks remarkably fit.
Injuries Delay Everton
The Everton directors at their meeting last night considered the request by George Burnett, their goalkeeper, to be placed on the transfer list and have acceded to his wish.
The team to meet Bolton Wanderers at Goodison Park on Saturday will not be announced until tomorrow. Injuries are the reason for Wainwright and Sagar must be considered doubtful, Fielding has got over his ankle injury and will play. Catterick of course, is definitely “out”.
They are giving a trial to a young inside forward from Eire. He is Tommy Cummings who played in the Eire Youth’s X1. He is 18-years-old, stands 6ft 7ins, and scales 11st. He can operate on the right or left wing.

IT’S GOOD TO BE BACK IN LIVERPOOL, SAYS HIGGINS
October 13, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Exactly five months after his sensational flight to South America to join the Millionarios Club in Bogota, twenty-six-year-old Billy Higgins, former Everton inside forward arrived back in Liverpool last night. It was a sum-tanned but somewhat disillusioned “glad to be back” Higgins who stepped from his London train at eleven o’clock. At the time he left Liverpool, Higgins was stated to have received a signing-on fee from the Bogota club of £1,000 with a salary of £120 a month together with a bonus of £10 for a win and £5 for a draw. Last night he returned with £19 and with no home to take his wife and two young children. They stayed the night in a Liverpool hotel. “But we can’t stay here indefinitely –it’s much too dear,” Higgins said. “We shall have to look for some cheaper accommodation until I see how I stand regarding my football career. Things a Bogota did not turn out as I expected. The streets were certainly not paved with gold. The cost of living was much too high and we spent every penny.” “I am glad it’s now all over, and it’s certainly good to be back in Liverpool.” An Everton supporter, having heard of Higgins plight on his return, has offered to allow him the use of a cottage in North Wales as a temporary home.
“Frozen Out of Game”
Higgins referred to the Bogota episode as an experience he would have been better without. He says he was frozen out of the football game. “The Argentinians, who were first to be imported to Bogota, would not play with me. Things altogether became just too bad, and my position with the Bogota Club ended by mutual agreement.” Higgins first task will be to ask the F.A and the Football League to lift the suspension placed on him last month. His greatest desire is to get quickly back into English football and nothing would please him better than to be back with Everton. He is still on the Goodison Park’s club’s retained list. Returning on an earlier train was his wife, five-years-old son, Billy, in cowboy outfit and four-years-old daughter, Helen, clutching a large doll. Mrs. Higgins said “I wouldn’t go through the past few months again for anything. All I hope is that we soon get settled down again in a new home of our own.

EVERTON SEEK FIRST HOME WIN FOR EIGHT WEEKS
October 13, 1950. The Evening Express
Bolton Hope To Break A Goodison Spell
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Everton, injury-battered will tomorrow be seeking their first win at Goodison Park for eight weeks. Bolton Wanderers will appear there, they Blues won their first two home games, but have since been restricted to the one point, secured from the game with Arsenal, the Albion, Liverpool, and Portsmouth having won there. Everton are sure of a warming re-welcome after two weeks on tour, and following their great 5-1 win at Fulham last week, but they face a particularly shift task, for the Wanderers are one of the most improved teams in the County and since the acquisition of new backs, Ball and Kennedy, have dropped only one point –that to Liverpool at Anfield. Main danger to Everton security are Nat Lofthouse, one of the game’s finest centre-forwards, Billy Moir, the Scottish international and Bobby Langton, the English international and Bursclough ld, but if the defence operates with the same confidence as at Fulham, leaving the forwards to concentrate fully on attack, the supporters may get that long awaited victory to cheer. The Wanderers have not found Goodison Park a lucky ground. In fact, it is 22-years since they won a League game here. There will be much good football in a game starting at 3.15. Everton have doubts at the moment of writing, but the winners will have Stan Hanson in goal. Bolton Wanderers; Hanson; Bull, Kennedy; Howe, Gillies, Barrass; Hughes, Moir, Lofthouse, Webster, Langton.

GOODISON OUTLOOK BETTER
October 13, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Everton Will Face Bolton With Renewed Confidence
Ranger’s Notes
Following their great win at Fulham, Everton will be in a more confident mood when they entertain Bolton Wanderers at Goodison Park tomorrow afternoon in the search for two more valuable points. No matter how good a side’s team-spirit may be a succession of defeats undermines the players confidence, but a good victory can work wonders in restoring faith in themselves. Consequently, Everton will take the field tomorrow with the knowledge that bad days are behind them. More may follow and probably will, but now that the luck has turned the full cycle, both players and supporters feel that the “Blues” will soon climb the table to a safer position. Bolton, however, will not be no easy team to beat. Those who saw them at Anfield a fortnight ago will appreciated this statement. Few forward lines possess their speed and striking power, and though the defence is not all it could be they are now enjoying a really good spell, having taken seven of their last eight points. In Lofthouse the Wanderers post needs a great deal of watching while bears a great deal of watching while young Webster is settling down nicely as partner to Bobby Langton. The new full-backs, Ball and Kennedy have brought considerable solidity to a defence which was formerly on the shaky side, but if Everton’s forwards are in their Craven Cottage form then loopholes can be found. This is a game which could yield a large number of goals. I fancy that Everton will just about pull it off, and give us further evidence that they are really on the road to recovery. Bolton Wanderers; Hanson; Bull, Kennedy; Howe, Gillies, Barrass; Hughes, Moir, Lofthouse, Webster, Langton.

POTTS MAY COME TO GOODISON
October 14, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Everton manager Cliff Britton, when asked last night how he was faring in pursuit of Burnley’s Harry Potts, said; “I will say nothing at this stage.” That accords with the balanced Britton belief in these matters that it is best to say nothing until one arrives at “fate accomplah” as they say in Lancashire mill towns. Nevertheless it is obvious under the surfaces that as Blackpool’s tide in the Potts negotiations runs out, Everton’s comes in strongly, and, although there is nothing to report now Everton’s interest is real and earnest. A man whose judgment in all things I respect told me yesterday; “The Potts situation is that if you can pay the price you take your place in the queue; there is to be no bargaining. You either take it or leave it, I do not think Potts will go to Blackpool. Certainly Everton have more, rather than less, need of inside forwards, since they watched Potts at Tottenham a week ago. The joy of that wonderful win at Fulham has been reduced by events which followed. First Sagar, shoulder knock which keeps him out to-day then Catterick’s Aldershot injury and yesterday new’s that Wainwright (who has been playing despite a damaged knee) will not be able to take his place in the team against Bolton Wanderers at Goodison today. As if this were not enough goalkeeper O’Neill is not fit after flu.
Re-Enter McIntosh
Jim McIntosh is certain I should say, to bring this height and weight and ability to the Catterick position. Burnett whom Ted Sagar rates as a potentially great goalkeeper, is certain to have a further chance to prove himself. That leaves an inside forward position for which there are likely to be two contenders. Don Donovan whom Everton noticed and later signed, in their Irish tour two seasons ago, and the Whiston boy, Allen Hampson. Hampson is in his second season as a professional. He made one as an amateur after being released from the Navy. He made twenty Central League appearances last season and this may well be the occasion of his First Division debut.
Bolton I saw at Anfield recently, in Nat Lofthouse they have a centre forward who despises no half chance. If the battle between him and Maurice Lindley is anything like the Lofthouse v. W.H. Jones serial all will be worthwhile. Despite his lankiness Lindley is a tough man to pass as Jezzard of Fulham discovered and with that aggravated eye injury almost better the Everton centre-half may shine unexpectedly again. If the side which beat Fulham could have been re-selected en blot Bolton would have discovered an Everton with far greater confidence. Even cut up through injury an all up Everton attack, with Eglington and Buckle playing as well as they did a week ago, may please and surprise us.

BURNETT KEPT BOLTON AT BAY IN GRAND GAME AT GOODISON
October 14, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton 1, Bolton W. 1
By Contact
Everton; Burnett, goal; Clinton and Moore, backs; Grant, Lindley and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Buckle, Fielding, McIntosh, Hampson, and Eglington, forwards. Bolton Wanderers; Hanson, goal; Ball and Kennedy, backs; Howe, Gillies, and Barrass, half-backs; Hughes, Moir, Lofthouse, Webster and Langton, forwards. Referee; Mr. F.H. Gerrard (Preston). Everton introduced for the first time Hampson, who comes from Whiston; Fielding was switched to inside right and Burnett was in goal in place of Sagar. Everton defended the Park goal and Bolton had the disadvantage of facing strong sunshine. After an early McIntosh-Eglington foray Buckle was injured the first time he kicked the ball. Hampson had made a beautifully judged pass in the region of the corner flag, and Buckle in turning the ball back and trying to get a corner off Kennedy wrenched his left knee so badly he needed attention.
Burnett is Alert
Farrell and Lindley between them almost produced a fatal misunderstanding as when Lindley finally passed back to Burnett he did so tenderly and the goalkeeper had to get down to a tentative reverse pass at great speed. The next, and so far the biggest thrill came when Hughes, centering at his leisure, pulled the ball back beautifully for Lofthouse, but Burnett was out to make a quick and competent punch away and Lofthouse finished sprawling over the goal-line but without the ball. The game had opened at tremendous speed, and Bolton once their first minute indecision had passed, were bidding fair to improve that record of theirs here, which shows their last victory as long ago as 20 years ago.
Hampson Active
At this stage Hampson really came into the game with a sharp interchange with Eglington, and then a dribble to within a few feet of their six yards line, where his attempted shot was crowded out. Hampson was doing splendidly so far and when he turned a ball in from the edge of the penalty area there was more than a semblance of suspicious that Kennedy handled, but the referee said “Play on.”
Wonderful Tackle
Bolton deserved a goal for their pertinacity ad liveliness, and when the bustling Lofthouse took a long pass up the left wing beat Clinton and came in to improve his angle as he drew Burnett out of goal, he seemed certain to score, but Moore his eye on the ball, made a wonderful tackle as Lofthouse shot. Buckle’s pertinacity was solely responsible for McIntosh going slap down the middle and presenting young Hampson with a close-in-shooting chance which the young man took, but wish not a sufficiently fierce shot. He tired a similar one from further out a moment later, but this time Hanson had it lined up and was in no trouble.
Fortunate Escape
Everton were fortunate when Langton rounded Clinton and trickled the ball across goal in such a way that any child in Bolton colours could have scored if they had connected with it. Happily for Everton there was no one at home, and even when Lofthouse fastened on the ball and drove in a shot, Grant’s head was there to deflect the ball for a corner. Eglington with a right foot shot cannoned the ball against Gillies and then tried a left-foot drive off the rebound, but got too far under the ball. Moore seemed to be itching for a shot, and eventually he came up to drive the ball over 25 yards range, and right on the target. Hanson made a good catch.
Penalty Goal
How simply a goal can be made was exampled when the burly McIntosh came far back into his own half in search of the ball, and having got it on the touchline, dug up a useful pass which Eglington nodded down before taking it up again and going on at express speed towards goal. Eglington appeared to have beaten Gillies before he was brought down and in my estimation the penalty decision was a good one. Buckle took the kick and hit the ball low to Hanson’s left. In the minute before the interval, Farrell personally saved the equalizer after Langton had come inside down the goal-line to offer a reverse pass to Lofthouse.
Half-time; Everton 1, Bolton Wanderers nil.
Farrell finished the first half with a great tackle and began the second half with a similar one, again at the expense of Lofthouse. Bolton were piling on full steam, and Everton desperately need to hold that Buckle lead. From a Hughes corner the ball rose in front of Lindley but spun beyond him and also Lofthouse who must have scored if he had realized he was to get this golden chance.
Corner Was Fatal
Gillies got a big and deserved cheer when getting himself out of a mess when supposed to McIntosh and Fielding. Then Farrell made yet another classic tackle, this time against Webster when that player was shooting to complete with a shot the fine reverse pass received from Langton. Everton escaped at the expense of a corner but this proved fatal. Moir, that most consistent of scorers rammed in a terrific header, which did not step until it had made a dent in the back netting. Off another corner Moir made another header which the sun embarrassed Burnett did well to catch even though the ball was over the goalline but outside the post as he gripped it. Burnett too, was out to a long clearance the bounce of which beat Lindley and caused Burnett to juggle the ball as Lofthouse came in before finally failing on it and going on to complete the save.
Another Escape
Moore made a rare mistake when passing back tenderly, and Lofthouse should certainly have scored, but actually drove the ball wide from not more than ten yards out. It has to be said that he was severely angled. Everton were not functioning in the same smooth style as at Fulham but their attack beautifully led by McIntosh had its moments. Yet it was Bolton through the invincible Moir and a third header from him, who went nearest to getting a goal this time Burnett made a high catch when standing almost on the line.
A Sparkling Shot
Howe with a sprinkling shot had Burnett all but beaten. The goalkeeper did stupendously to save the ball against the glare of the sun even though he could not avoid giving a corner in the process. When Langton delivered a full blooded drive, Burnett edged the ball up and made a confident catch. He did even better from a point-blank Langton shot when the shooter stood only five yards out. This time, too, he knocked the ball up, and then edged it round the post.
Buckle’s Volley
Everton’s one and only real chance of the half, came when McIntosh veered to outside right and placed his centre an accurately that Buckle was able to volley it as he came in. It looked all over a goal, but the ball travelled quite wide. McIntosh was wide with a shot after Buckle and Fielding had gone to great pains to find the chance for him. Bolton now began to shower in shots, but such distance they could hardly hope to beat Burnett who has rarely played better. Buckle five minutes from the end was certainly the victim of a charge from behind which should have merited a penalty but in this game of penalty doubts the referee again ruled play on. The man who made the charge, Barrass was injured and could only limp off the field assisted by his trainer and St. John Ambulance. Final; Everton 1, Bolton W 1. Official Attendance; 53,421.

ONE SHOCK RESULT NEEDS ANOTHER TO PROVE GOODISON REVIVAL
October 14, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Ranger
The old stage that it is always darkest before the dawn was never more true then in the case of Everton during the past weeks. Even the most incurable optimist had little real hope that they would bring back both points from Fulham. Still fewer visualized such a sweeping victory. Whether this win signifies the beginning of a much improved period for Everton or is only the false dawn which presages another period of gleem remains to be seen. One thing of which we can be certain however is that the victory will have been a great psychological tonic to the players. Though there was no spirit of defeatism even before the first visit to Fulham, it would be idle to deny that the succession of reverses and ill-luck was not beginning to take a little of the heart out of even the staunchest and most hopeful. There are still position in the team where improvement is possible. To shout one’s eye to this patent fact on the basis of one of the season’s biggest shock results would be foolish. On the other hand, the players can at last feel more confident and there is nothing like a spot of justifiable confidence for putting any side on a sound footing. Even a team which may not measure up man for man to the standard of some of its opponents can partly balance the deficiently if it has a strong belief in itself and a real team spirit. The feeling of disquiet and foreboding among Goodison supporters have been temporarily lulled. If there has been another victory to chalk up today against Bolton Wanderers then the tumult and the shouting of the past weeks will be further stilled.
Ranger’s Letters Box
As a young Everton supporter now resident in London, it has amazed me to read the comments on the Blues in your Letter-box. I have only seen them twice this season against Chelsea and Fulham and what a revelation. How they lost to Chelsea is beyond me, but last week’s performance against Fulham made no proud to wear a blue rosette. The football was in the true Everton style and the Cliff Britton stamp was on every player. What a pity the critics from Goodison were not there. Every man played as one possessed –not with the threat of relegation, but with the enthusiasm of a team fighting for the league championship, I must mention Peter Farrell, masterly of Archie Macauley, which was the key to Everton’s success. They were a great team, always playing football of the highest order and I feel sure that having proved to themselves that they can score goals it won’t be long now before they move up that league table, and challenge the select few at the top.
R. Ditchfield, Gifford street, Islington.
As an Everton supporter for over 60 years, I cannot recall Notts Rangers playing at Anfield, but I do remember that Everton signed Fred Geary from the Rangers. I also saw him play his first match I think it was against Preston N.E at Anfield. Geary scored Everton’s only goal and Preston North End won 5-1. I remember patting the players on the backs as they ran out of the Sandon to the ground. How many recollected Everton plying Vale of Leven at Anfield and do many know Everton for a short time played in salmon coloured jerseys? C.A.C Liverpool.

COLOMBIA TRIES BIG FOOTBALL IN CRUDE FRAME
October 14, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Billy Higgins
In an Interview with Ranger
They say the young learn by experience, at that, thinking I knew as much as the next fellow, I am not in that mood today. My experience has been brought in a dear school, but I thrust, it be a warming to any other British footballer who may feel attracted by apparently tempting offers from abroad. The old song used to say that “all took me all my time to make ends that glitter is not gold.” You can paraphrase that and say with equal-truth that the seemingly fabulous salaries to be earned in Colombian football do not mean that at the end of the month you will be able to rattle a pocketful of surplus cash. It took me all my time to make ends meat. I have finished my football wanderings. You can have Bogota, Bulgaria or Bechuanaland for all I care. Just let me have good old England, I ask for nothing more. Never before in my 26 years have I been so glad to see England as I was when the Isle of Wight loomed up on the horizon last Thursday morning as the Queen Elizabeth made her majestic way across the Channel from Cherbourg. I did a bit of travelling during my six years in the Navy. Never was a homecoming so much looked forward to as this. No matter what the future holds for me, I won’t be tempted to leave England again in a hurry –or at all. Naturally I am a bit anxious to know what action the F.A. and the Football League are likely to take in my case. Tomorrow I shall write asking for reinstatement, I am hopeful that the governing body will temper justice with mercy as they have invariably done with offenders against football laws in the past. I can only await the verdict. The sooner it is over the better.
Plateau View
My own personal problems however are of minor consideration. I shall have to face the music and I am ready to do so. I know that what readers are most concerned about is to get the “low-down” on football as it is in Colombia, I can give you that from bitter experience. Six months ago, all I knew of Bogota was that it is some thousands of miles away and was several thousand feet up on top of a mountain range. Todays, I could almost write a book about it. Take it from me, Bogota is no football paradise, even for a player on top salary and drawing big bonuses. The money sounds tremendous, whether you say it quickly or slowly, but the high cost of living skims the cream off it. It takes anybody with a family all his time to make ends meat. You get little chance to save anything for a rainy day. I shall go into that aspect of living in Colombia, however, in a later article. For the time being let us keep strictly to football affairs.
Like a Circus
First and foremost the playing conditions out yonder are almost unbelievable to those with a knowledge of English football. You never saw anything in your life like a Colombian club’s dressing room immediately after a match. It is worse than a Barnum and Bailey circus. I first experienced it after the match in which Neil Franklin and George Mountfield made their debut for Sante Fe. Naturally, I wanted to go along and have a word with them as soon as the game was over. When I was shown into the dressing-room I stood transfixed with amazement. It was crowded from door to door with “chinos” (Urchins), who were chattering away fifty to the dozen, swarming round the players, climbing on their knees and shoulders and generally turning the place into pandemonium. Franklin and Mountford looked the picture of misery, although they were endeavoring to put a good face on it. “This” I thought “must be a special occasion. Surely it can’t be like this always.” I soon found out my mistake. It is always like that. There is no attempt at discipline. The dressing rooms are free to all and sundry –and don’t the youngsters take advantage of it! You cannot imagine any English club even the most humble amateur side standing for that sort of thing. This was anything but a happy introduction to Colombian football, but worse was to come. When the crowd had at last thinned out, I inspected the arrangements for the players and got another nasty shock.
Not A Peg
Although most of you will not have been behind the scenes in English dressing-rooms, I can tell you that the accommodations is first class. Our First Division clubs here have baths capable of taking a dozen or more players at a time, smaller individual baths, plenty of hot water well, equipped medical rooms, experienced trainer and in short everything for comfort, and convenience. In never saw a dressing-room in Columba which had more than an, a table, sometimes an odd chair and perhaps a couple of battered tin lockers. There were not even pegs on which to hang your clothes. You just laid them out; as best you could on the bench. Probably that is the reason why most players out there go to the match from their homes with their football togs underneath a pair of old flannel bags and a sport jacket as they used to do in this country so I am told, half a century ago. The three leading clubs in Bogota –Sante Fe, Millionares and University – have no ground of their own. They play on a pitch belonging to the municipally. The dressing rooms has no bath of any description, and only two cold showers. Hot water is not provided at all. Worse than that, if you want a shower you must not only bring your own soap and towel but be prepared to take your swill-down surrounded by a grinning and gesticulating crowd of admiring urchins. There is just about as much privacy as you get on Blackpool sands on August Bank Holiday. I know it sounds incredible, but that is the strict truth. If you are prepared to risk the peep show, you must also be prepared for an inadequate supply of water. I have known the water supply to go off completely at times. At some grounds even these primitive arrangements are conspicuous by their absence. I have played when there has been no facility to have a wash after the match.
Old Dirt
At Goodison Park out dressing rooms were always kept in spick and span conditions. They were swept out daily. In Colombia nobody worries about cleanliness. It was nothing unusual to go back for training on Tuesday and find the room exactly as we had left it on Sunday. After it had been overrun by scores of enthusiastic youngsters you can imagine what a state it was in. Having some idea of the Latin temperament I was prepared for games out there to be pretty tough. I expected occasional outbursts of temper and fisticuffs, but never in my wildest dreams did I visualize anything like what takes place. Often enough I saw anything up to a dozen players come to blows on the field at one time. When once two opponents “squared up,” the others quickly dashed in, and before you can wink an eyelid they are going at it hammer and tongs. For instance in the game in which Franklin and Mountfield made their debut there were three periods of something like five minutes each when the game was completely held up. During one of these every single player except the two Englishmen was engaged in actual fights or conducting heated arguments with opponents. Even the two goalkeepers ran to the centre circle and had a go! They were not going to be left out. The referee, aided by the armed policemen along the touchlines eventually managed to restore order and the game continued.
Referee Policemen
It is not without significance that all referees in Bogota are members of the Police force carrying a rank equivalent to our inspectors. This is so they will be in a position to give orders to the police, in case of trouble and ensure that they will be carried out.
Next week Higgins will further draw aside the veil on Colombian football, and explain how he came to accept the offer of the Millionairos Club.

WOLVES RES V EVERTON RES
October 14, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
In eight minute goal by Smyth following a corner by Smith gave Wolves an interval lead against Everton. Everton played prettier football than the Central League leaders, but failed to take their chances. Inside right Lewis was the chief offender, missing two open goals in ten minutes. The first when an awkwardly bouncing ball fell at the feet, only three yard out. Wolves whose football was more discreet got in far more telling shots but like the visitors they persisted in playing too close. Leyland the Everton goalkeeper left the field near the half-time with a cut head after colliding with Smyth. Stitches had to be inserted. His place in goal was taken by Lewis. Half-time; Wolves Res 1, Everton Res nil.
Lewis was beaten twice by Smith and Walker in the 55th and 68th minutes, both headers and Wolves had a three goal lead. Full Time; Wolves Res 6, Everton Res 0.
• Everton “B” 4, Fleetwood Reserves 3

ZERO HOUR IN THE POTTS NEGOTIATIONS
October 16, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Everton 1, Bolton Wanderers 1
Today will bring H-Hour in the Harry Potts transfer negotiations. Within a few hours Everton and about ten others clubs in the field for this great utility player, will know the best –or worst. Everton’s chance’s? Manager Cliff Britton committed himself last night only this far; “We have a good sporting chance.” It is not without point that until he reached the ground on Saturday. Hampson, who made his League baptism did not know he was in the team. Apparently there had been notions that the name Potts might have gone into the side at the last moment. On this evidence Everton may be better placed to bring off the coup, than many suppose. Potts or no, Everton have a casualty list as long as your arm. Eddie Wainwright is to see a specialist to-day about his left knee trouble. Ted Falder and goalkeeper Leyland at Wolverhampton with the Central League side both received nasty knocks. Leyland had four stitches in his cap and Falder could only hobble after an ankle injury in the opening minutes. O’Neill the goalkeeper, who has had influenza, begins training again to-day. Someday someone will evolve a soccer question reading; “Who was put on the transfer list on two separate occasions and came out of “semi-retirement” to save his side twice?” The answer of course, will be George Burnett, of Everton. Last season Everton were on the pen-point of letting this goalkeeper go to South Liverpool when they found themselves a goalkeeper shy, changed their minds and played him with success in the first team. On Saturday; Burnett again on the transfer list (though it is doubleful whether club or player will ever pursue a mutual leave-taking) rescued the club again. He has rarely played better than against Bolton Wanderers. Without wrapping it up one must confess that with goalkeeping any less brilliant Everton must have been beaten. Burnett did best when by all the rules, he should have been forgiven mistakens –facing a glaring sun in the second half. Bothered, but never bewildered, by the disadvantage, he fulfilled Ted Sagar’s wildest hopes. Sagar has always rated him as a potential “great.” Perhaps Burnett with the confidence and backing of experts will now set himself out to stay the goalkeeping course to the end.
Hampson Pleases
Remembering Everton’s disabilities, a draw for them was a good reward. And Hampson pleased many – including his manger –by his opening gambits. It would have been too much to expect him to maintain that first class beginning. At least he has liveliness and ideas and can produce the telling pass pity, he did not hit the ball fiercely enough when faced with Hanson and the chance of getting his name on the goal register. The great man of the Everton side was Farrell. Like Burnett he did some rescuing, and but for two eleventh hour tackles, Everton must have lost. Bolton with Langton in England form, made enough chances to have won, but Burnett was heartbreaking. McIntosh, I though led the line competently and with some astute and beautifully executed passes. It was he who came into his own half to generate the Eglington chance. And it was Buckle who scored from the penalty spot when Eglington was brought down by Gillies. This decision might have been followed by at least two others, but none came. The Bolton goal by Moir was a header, out of the blue with no Everton marker near.
Lindley v. Lofthouse
For the second week in succession Lindley closed the door on a notable centre forward – this time Lofthouse. It was a near thing however, and Lofthouse certainly deserved a goal for his vitality and sharp endeaour. Lofthouse by the way, may not be fit to play in the inter-league match at Blackpool on Wednesday, for which he is chosen as reserve forward for the Football league. He severely injured a calf muscle at Goodison Park. Barrass was also damaged and it was feared he had chipped a bone in his right leg, he had an X-ray examination yesterday and the plate showed no fracture but a severe bruise. Everton next go to Charlton, but until they have their Fulham side fit again no one can expect them to produced a 5-1 win. Still, they are great tries these days and we must not be pessimistic.

HARRY POTTS SIGNS FOR EVERTON
October 16, 1950. The Evening Express
Manager Britton’s Capture at Merseyside’s Record Fee
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Everton today smashed all records so far as Merseyside is concerned, by paying a fee estimated to be £20,000 to Burnley for the transfer of Harry Potts, the inside-forward, following negotiations which have been proceeding for a week. Potts who is a native of Helton-le-Hole, the North-eastern township which gave to football international Frank Hill came to Goodison Park today to sign on and so he rejoins Manager Cliff Britton who was Burnley’s manager during most of Potts’ association with the club. When Mr. Britton went to Burnley last Wednesday morning, he found that Potts had gone to Blackpool, but Cliff negotiated with Burnley and had permission to approach the player. Unknown, except to only a few on the inside, Potts came to Liverpool last Friday and inspected the house in which Everton will accommodate him. On Saturday Blackpool announced that they had dropped out of the race, but Mr. Britton right throughout the piece has ignored other clubs and merely game on in his own way –the wise way as emphasized by the fact that Potts is an Everton player. In my opinion this is a great signing by Everton, but I regard Potts as one of the finest inside-forwards in the country, who is actually an inside right although he has been an inside left with Burnley. Potts joined Burnley in 1938 and in three of the last four seasons has been leading scorer. In 1946-47 he scored 15 goals in 40 matches, in 1947-48 his opening First Division season, he scored 14 goals in 38 matches; in 1948-49 he shared top with Chew, with 11 goals; and last season was top again with 11 goals, after being an ever-present. Pott’s helped Burnley to promotion and to Wembley in 1946-47, and should fit into the Everton Britton-planned schemes perfectly.
Everton May Keep Burnett
Great Display Against Wanderers
It is doubtful whether Everton will now agree to transfer goalkeeper George Burnett (who is on the transfer list) following his great display against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, and the fact that he is the club’s only fit goalkeeper. O’Neill resumed training today, and Sagar expects to be fit by the week-end, but at Wolverhampton on Saturday Harry Leyfield suffered a head injury which necessated stitches. Personally I do not think Burnett would agree to go, for his heart must have been warmed on Saturday and after all Burnett you know, is essentially an Evertonian. I shall be surprised if George does not say good, that he wants to remain here. Spots of good news for Everton are that Lello, this week resume full training and that Hold resumed training today. However Falder has an ankle injury.
In Luck’s Way
For once in a way luck was with the Merseyside seniors on Saturday, for Everton were fortunate to hold Bolton Wanderers to a 1-1 draw. Quite apart from the brilliance of Burnett, which was the outstanding Goodison feature, despite some brilliant progressive football by the Wanderers what impressed me was the splendid manner in which Maurice Lindley dealt with the ever present Lofthouse menace; the inspiration of Peter Farrell; the sound leadership of McIntosh in the first half; the good work of Buckle and Eglington; and the promise of Hampson, who might easily have celebrated with a goal. The ball ran unkindly for Fielding; Langton ran too unkindly for Clinton; and Grant had to work like a terrier to fulfill a task he himself often made harder by errors. Moore, despite one mistake was the best back on the field in a game in which Buckle accepted a penalty chance and Moir an opportunity so perfectly “lad-on” by Langton’s corner. Mr. Will Harrop, of Liverpool there on international selection business must have admired Lofthouse and Langton and made a mental note for future reference of Moore.

EVERTON SIGN POTTS FOR £20,000 FEE
October 17, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Harry Potts, the 29-year-old Burnley inside forward is now an Everton player. Potts signed for the Goodison Park Club yesterday at a fee believed to be in the region of £20,000, one of the highest in the history of either club. Last week Blackpool came to terms with the Burnley Club for Potts signature, but negotiations broke down at the week-end after Potts had viewed a house in Blackpool, which did not suit him. Potts and his wife however had decided earlier that they would not go to Blackpool. Potts was placed on the transfer list at his own request about a week ago, and no fewer than seventeen clubs made inquires at Burnley regarding him. Finally negotiating were narrowed to Blackpool and Everton until yesterday the player decided to throw in his lot with Everton. Potts should prove a valuable asset to the Goodison Park side. Born at Helton-le-Hole in Durham, Potts signed for Burnley as a amateur early in 1937 and turned professional the following season. He was prominent in Services football in Indian and on his demobilization soon won his place in the Burnley attack. In four seasons since the war he has played in 136 Football league matches for Burnley and scored forty-seven goals.
To See Specialist
Bad news for Everton followers concerns Wainwright. The player suffered a knee injury some time back and it has troubled him off and on. It has failed to yield to treatment so the player is to be examined by a specialist. Until the specialists report is received it is not known how long Wainwright will be out of the game. Better news concerns O’Neill, who started training yesterday after being absent through an attack of influenza and Hold, who was also training yesterday. Billy Higgins the former Everton centre-forward who returned last week from Bogota where he played for Millionarios F.C., has written to the Football Association requesting to be reinstated in English football. Higgins who is staying with his wife and children at his brother’s home near Birkenhead hopes to obtain permission from Everton to train at Goodison Park.

GOODISON GAME
October 17, 1950. The Evening Express
At GoodisonPark, Everton receive Third Division, but still old, opposition when tackling Oldham athletic in the first round of the Lancashire Senior Cup. Thirty years ago the Blues and the Latics were great rivals of the Football League and the F.A. Cup; in fact, in 1915 Everton just “pipped” Oldham for the First Division championship. Everton are including six players with first team experience in a game which will attract the “scouts” and starts at 3.15 p.m. Everton; O’Neill; Jones, Saunders; Cross, Humphreys, Bentham; McNamara, Donovan, Hickson, Hampson, Parker.

EVERTON V OLDHAM ATH
October 18, 1950, The Evening Express
Everton met Oldham Athletic at Goodison Park today, in a Lancashire Senior Cup first round tie. Considerable interest centred on the appearance of Ray Haddington, Oldham’s sharp-shooting inside left, who is at present on the transfer list and whose name is being closely linked with departure to Manchester City. Everton; O’Neill, goal; Jones and Saunders, backs; Cross, Humphreys, and Bentham, half-backs; McNamara, Donovan, Hickson, Hampson, and Parker, forwards. Oldham Athletic; Ogden, goal; Swallow, and Bell, backs; Goodfellow, Hurst, and Aston, half-backs; Mcllvenny, Munro, Gemmill, Haddington, and Ormond, forwards. Referee; Mr. W.R.A. Lloyd (Southport). The first call on Ogden was when he had to go down to a low cross from McNamara. Then the Oldham goalkeeper dealt capably with a powerful first timer from Parker. Swallowed saved the day for Oldham when he nipped in quickly to prevent Donovan from taking full advantage of a pass from Hickson. Only a timely intervention by Bentham prevented the in running Ormond from putting the finishing touch to a quick through ball from Gemmell. At this stage Oldham were on top. In 17 minutes Everton went away to take the lead. It was an under-hit back pass by Hurst, the Oldham centre-half which enabled Hampson to go through, round the goalkeeper Ogden and tap the ball into the empty goal. Oldham fought back strongly, and the equalizer came in 26 minutes, Gemmill drove the ball straight at O’Neill from Ormond’s short centre, and then slipped the rebound square for Mcllvenny to come in at top speed and crack the ball home. After 33 minutes Everton regained their advantage, Hickson taking a Donovan pass in his stride to beat Ogden. Half-time; Everton 2 Oldham 1.

EVERTON LEAD THREE TIMES
October 19, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 3, Oldham 3
Oldham were worthy of their 3-3 draw at Goodison Park yesterday in the First round of the Lancashire Senior-Cup, for they revealed some neat touchs and were always ready to try a shot at goal. Their defence however, left ‘something to be desired and Everton’s forward line which was computed like the rest of the side of Centre League players, was more prominent after seizing on a lapse than after working out a move of their own. Hickson was a spirited leader whose speed proved troublesome to Hurst the visitors’ pivot, and McNamara was excellent in the first half, only to fade out later. Bentham served up an excellent display of left half and O’Neill was in grand form in goal, one save from Ormond being among the highlights. Swallow was a good full back for the visitors, and Mcllvenny and Ormond were fast and dangerous on the wings. Everton three times held the lead, but Oldham leveled the scores on each occasion. Hampson opened the scoring, but Mcllvenny equalized and Hickson put Everton ahead again before the interval. Ormston restored equality and another goal by Hickson as neutralized by Haddington nine minutes from the end.

DEBUT
October 20, 1950. The Evening Express
Everton’s only change for their visit to Charlton is the debut of Potts at inside left, in place of Hampson, with Fielding remaining at inside right for the injured Wainwright. So Potts has the unique experience of playing against Charlton in successive weeks in different colours. Harry made the five goals, which Burnley rattled up against Charlton at Turf Moor in the second half last week, so he should be able to carve goal paths for the Blues. Everton; Burnett; Clinton, Moore; Grant, Lindley, Farrell; Buckle, Fielding, McIntosh, Potts, Eglington.

EVERTON AT CHARLTON
October 20, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Harry Potts should bring added strength to the Everton forward line against Charlton for in addition to his clever ball play and skill as a tactician, he also knows where the tacticians, he also knows where the goal lies. His record over the post-war seasons proves him a useful marksman. Everton for a long time have wanted somebody in the attack who can get goals. Wainwright and Fielding hitherto have provided plenty of nice approach work, but it has counted for nothing without the goals to round it off. Everton served up the shock of the season last time they were in London. Another victory there should be a great help in their fight to get away from the bottom rungs of the ladder. Charlton are not a very brilliant side. They started the season well, but have lost five of their last seven matches. Four of these defeats, however have been in away games. They have lost only one home match so far. Everton; Burnett; Clinton, Moore; Grant, Lindley, Farrell; Buckle, Fielding, McIntosh, Potts, Eglington.
Charlton; Bartram; Shreeve, Lock; Fenton, Wall, Forbes; Hurst, Culham, Vaughan, Evans, Kiernan.
Everton Reserves (v. Aston Villa Res at Goodison 3 p.m). O’Neill; Saunders, Rankin; Cross, Jones, Melville; McNamara, Lewis, Hickson, Hampson, Parker.

POTTS; NOW WE SHALL SEE
October 21, 1950, The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
The day Harry Potts, then of Burnley, was reported, ask for a transfer, I wrote “How would he look, I wonder, alongside Jim McIntosh at Everton? “ That is precisely how Everton’s £20,000 but will make his debut, today at Charlton with Tom Eglington on his other side. Potts should strike up a happy partnership. If Everton excel themselves as they did at Fulham, but London matches usually bring them little reward –the only conclusion was can make is that they are at last moving in the right direction. Everton are fortunate, indeed to have succeeded in getting Potts, though to some he represents little better than the good class club inside forward. This assessment I do not doubt, is based on the assumption that England would have capped him long ago, if he were “cap aha” Capped or not, where could one find a more workmanlike inside man with better control of the ball or better judgment of the right moment to strike? If Potts had played all his football in the Central League, he would still be my ideal forward. His goals –they will assuredly come –and his spade work, for others, I am certain will do Everton good and plenty.

EVERTON RALLIED, BUT THE CHARLTON ATTACH HAD MORE PUNCH
October 21, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Stork
Charlton 2, Everton 1
Charlton Athletic; Bartram, goal; Shreeve, and Lock, backs; Fenton, Walls and Forbes, half-backs; Hurst, Cullum, Vaughan, Evans and Kiernan, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Clinton and Moore, backs; Grant, Lindley and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Buckle, Fielding, McIntosh, Potts, and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Roden (Stourbridge). Everton were hoping for a Fulham repeat at the Valley to-day, for points were greatly needed and with the addition of Harry Potts, signed during the week from Burnley, they looked for greater penetration in attack. Everton were soon on the attack and Bartram was called on to pick up a back pass by Lock. The advance was short-lived. The corner was disposed of but not until the Athletic had produced another treat. Grant tried to “find” Potts, who had moved into the inside right position, but Forbes had seen through the move and was there to collect. Everton came again and Walls back-headed to Bartram. Fenton moved up to help the attack and he produced a fast centre which just eluded Kiernan, who had run towards the far post. In the next half-minute Fenton made a pass back which resembled a shot, and Bratram had to come flying out of his goal and grab the ball in mid-air.
Punched Down
So far the balance had been in Charlton’s favoour and Kiernan paved the way for an Evans shot, which Burnett punched down to prevent the ball trickling over his line at a slow pace. Fielding and Eglington between them worked out an opening for the former. What should have been a full-blood shot by Fielding however was only a rather tame effort. Burnett was again in action and his throw out was caught by Eglington on the touchline. The free kick was of no material value but when McIntosh slipped the ball through for Potts, Everton’s new man could not link up. The state of Charlton’s defence was seen when Fenton practically kicked the ball out of Bartram’s hands for a corner. McIntosh had a hard shot charged down, but Cullum was also unfortunate in seeing his short-range shot hit the upright. Hurst made a lob across the Everton goal that looked dangerous, but it was wide of everyone Kiernan slipped the ball back to Vaughan, whose header was caught by Burnett. So far Bartram’s only duty was to take back passes from his colleagues. Potts made a neat pass to Fielding , but he was challenged immediately and dispossessed. Walls, who wore a plaster on his head, had many tussles from McIntosh even coming out to the wing. Potts was a little too far forward with his pass to Buckle, who would have needed wings to catch up with it. Evans tried to ram the ball through a forest of legs but found Grant in the wrong spot for him and the right one for Everton. Bartram’s next call was to catch a forward pass which Walls should have taken. Then came the opening goal of the day at 26 minutes. Kiernan laid the foundation stone to this London success. Having worked his way clear of the Everton defence, he put the ball square and Forbes, running up, hit it first time and the ball hit the inside of the upright and went to the back of the net.
Another Scuffle
Shortly after this, there was another scuffle in front of the Everton goal, but no further damage was done. So far the Everton attack had not severely tested the Charlton defence, and when McIntosh and Grant tried a probe the final pass went astray. Quite the nicest bit of work so far as combination was concerned was credited to Everton, but it all came to nought through McIntosh getting offside. Farrell tried to improve on that and he came through with a high powered shot which however, was off the line. Hurst was an even poorer finished –with a better scoring chance –for he lifted the ball high and wide. Potts was all over the field and actually took a throw-in on the right. Kiernan made a grand little dribble after thrice nodding the ball to beat Clinton and he finally ended up with a cross that Burnett took high above his head. A free kick against Everton taken by Lock was wasted. Fielding, Buckle, Potts and Eglington opened the way, but Eglington’s right-footed shot passed wide. Burnett fielded another cross-ball well. The Everton forwards thus far could make nothing of the Charlton defence which was confident, Buckle and Eglington produced a plan, but McIntosh’s shot was taken by Bartram. The Athletic goalkeeper saved another in the last few minutes from Fielding.
Half-time; Charlton 1, Everton nil.
Charlton resumed in a style which suggested they wanted further goals, and while they did not get in touch with Burnett they showed a liveliness which was encouraging to their supporters. Potts tried to beat his way through but was outnumbered. Everton were showing more thrust in the attack and set about rubbing out the arrears. They succeeded at the 49th minute and a really good-class goal it was. St It involved Fielding, McIntosh and Eglington and showed a perfect understanding, one with the other. Fielding whipped the ball out to McIntosh on the left and the Everton centre forward pulled the ball back for Eglington who came through with a rush to drive a fast shot which struck the inside of the upright on its way into the net. A really well thought out goal. Shortly afterwards another shot passed across the Charlton goal face. The Athletic replied with some heated attacks but without managing to find a hope to the Everton defence. Bartram had to field a cross ball and then we had a spell of midfield play. Everton were certainly showing more punch this half and when Buckle crossed over to the left he let loose a left footed shot which skimmed the crossbar by inches.
Like Two Men
Fielding was working like two men and he provided the centre from which McIntosh headed into the net, but was obviously offside. Another who was putting his whole heart into affairs was Farrell, who twice headed away dangerous centres. Everton were finding their men with much greater accurately this half. Hurst having beaten Moore, was wild with his centre, which passed outside. When Charlton were on the attack Potts fell back to lend a helping hand, Lock sent in a long shot which passed over. Then Vaughan was injured, but the game was held up only a minute. Charlton were attacking strongly and when Cullium shot Lindley put his foot to the ball to turn it over for a corner. It was dangerous procedure but ended well. Hereabouts Everton had two narrow escapes, Hurst put across a fast centre from which Evans from close in hit the upright and then the ball was picked up by Kiernan who shot without hesitation but Burnett saved magnificently. At this point Charlton were harassing the Everton defence and Hurst was their leading man, but the next Charlton goal came from the foot of Vaughan, who shot through a host of players into the net at the 70th minute. Bartram punched away, but the Londoners were soon back testing the Everton defence and some of their spectators were hardly complimentary when Grant swept in to take the ball from underneath Vaughan’s very nose. Final; Charlton Athletic 2, Everton 1.

EVERTON RES V. ASTON VILLA RES
October 21, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Res;- O’Neill, goal; Woods and Rankin, backs; Cross, Jones, and Melville, half-backs; McNamara, Donovan, Lewis, Hampson, and Parker, forwards. Aston Villa Res;- Jones, goal; Harrison, and Allis, backs; Lamb, Moss, and Norman, half-backs; Smith, Higgins, Page, Bullock and Smith, forwards. Referee; Mr. E.T. Jenkins (Manchester). The Villa were much the superior side and it was only a fine display by O’Neill that prevented them from taking the lead. The visitors goal bore a charmed life with Jones doing excellent work, saving in turn from Donovan, Lewis, and Hampson. Half-time; Everton Res nil, Aston Villa Res, nil. Everton monopolized he play after half-time, and Lewis and Hampson were unluck in not scoring due to the good work of Jones in the Villa goal. The visitors attacked several times and O’Neill came off with flying colours in dealing with the timely shots from Bullock and Pace.

UNABLE TO EXCHANGE A WORD WITH PLAYERS OR OFFICIALS
October 21, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Billy Higgins
Many people have asked me in the past week what originally pull the idea of going out to South America in my head, as it is obvious that I was in negotiation before Frankling and Mountford departed.
It first started after I played centre forward against Middlesbrough on December 11. I had a god game that day, and shortly afterwards was approached by an agent from Bogota. He said he could probably get me fixed up with the University Club there if I would like to take the plunge. This man was formerly a Merseyside resident now in business in Bogota, who was in this country on holiday. He painted the prospects very glowingly. I was led to believe that Bogota was the football player’s Eldorado, that money could be picked up easily, and that the cost of living was not a great deal higher than this country. It all sounded tempting but as this agent was not in a position to make a concrete offer, I soon forgot all about it. Some weeks after I learned that he had gone back to Bogota. That’s that, I thought not expecting to hear anything further. A little later however, I had an air mail letter from him saying he was empowered to offer me terms on behalf of the Millionorios club. These included a signing-on fee of £2,000 and a monthly wage equivent to £135, bonuses of £10 for a win and £2 for a draw, and other perks. I thought it over for a while, and write back, declining mainly because I did not want to be parted from my family. Then I received a further offer, stepping up the signing on fee to £8,000. Even then I was undecided and was on the point of refusing again when something happened which made me change my mind. This was the attitude of the crowd at Goodison Park when I played centre forward in the match against West Bromwich Albion, which we lost 2-1. Nobody known better that I that I had a shocking game that day. Nothing I tried came off. The harder I struggled the more the run of the ball was against me. I just couldn’t do a thing right and a section of the spectators were not slow to show their disapproval. I’m not blaming them for that, but was very discouraging, especially as I was genially trying my level best and was bursting to make good in a big way. I was very down in the dumps over the week-end and finally decided to ask Everton to put me on the transfer list. I felt I might do better with some other club. Mr. Cliff Britton was very considerable. He talked to me in a father way, told me not to worry. Everything would come out all right in the end he said. Although he tried hard to cheer me up, I felt the best thing would be to get away.
Careful Thought
I didn’t make that decision without careful thought. I had been at Everton since I was a youngster, joining when I was 15 as an amateur and had hitherto been very happy most of the time. The only previous occasion I had wanted to go on the transfer list was about three years previously. Before asking the club, however, I consulted the Echo-Sports Editor (Ranger), who gave me some sound advice, and eventually talked me into a happier frame of mind. I wish I had also listened to him before going to Bogota. Again Ranger did his best to disguade me. He put all the conceivable snags before me –most of which later developed while I was out there – but I was so browned off and discouraged that I paid no heed. The spirit of adventure was calling. Eventually I accepted the Millionarios club’s offer and should have travelled on the same plane as Franklin and Mountford, though at that time. I had no idea they were going out. The reason I delayed my departure for four days was that Ranger persuaded me not to leave until I had got a cabled guarantee that my passenger would be paid back home whenever I wanted it. I cabled asking for it, but got no replay. Despite this I decided to take a chance and began packing. If I’d only known what I was heading for I should have at once unpacked quicker than I Packed. It’s a good job the future is hidden from us, it saves an awful lot of worry! The trip by air was quite an experience, even if I didn’t get long enough in New York to see anything bar a few skyscrapers. But when I arrived at Bogota I got my first set-back. It was raining like the dickens –and when it rains there it does rain. Not like the fairly gentle stuff we get here. It seems literally to come down in bucketfuls with drops he size of a half-a-crown. The whole place seemed desolate and dreary.
At Headquarters
“Never mind” I thought” it will be all right when I get to the club headquarters.” I don’t know quite what I had expected to find but certainly something pretty big and imposing like Goodison Park or Anfield, with a cheery atmosphere, cozy dressing-rooms, handsome baths and appointments and maybe even the red carpet down to welcome the stranger from a strange land. What a hope! The welcoming party of directors, not one of whom could speak a word of English, bundled me in a cab and away we went. We pulled up outside an ordinary house, somewhat similar to what you would expect to see in England, as the home of a working lads club and just about as dismal looking. I was ushered into a room in which several folk whom I learned afterwards were Millionarios players, were listening to the wireless commentary on the away match between Millionarios and Cali. At the airport the interpreting had been done by the son of the man who had conducted the negotiations with me on behalf of the Millionarios Club. I unfortunately, as soon as we arrived at the clubroom he had to leave so there I was, landed in the midst of a mothey group of Argentinians and Colombians, players and directors without being able to exchange a single word with any of them. You can imagine that it wasn’t a particularly cheery introduction to a new life. I felt like a fish out of water as I hung about, vainly trying to get some idea of how the board cast was going to watching the reactions of the listeners. At last it was over and by signs and gesticulations it was conveyed to me that it was time I went along to my hotel. Did I say “hotel.” Actually they call it a pension, but if you saw the same place in Blackpool you would call it a boarding house – and only a second rate at that. It was certainly nothing like what I had anticipated.
Down To Earth
Maybe I’ve been spoiled travelling about with Everton and staying in the best hotels, I had now come down to earth with a vengeance. The pension might not be up to what I had dreamed of, but the price was. I was told later it had cost the club £18 for the five days I was there, at the end of which time I went for a while to stop with an Australian engineer. It was a treat to talk to someone who understood English. But to get back to my first day. After dumping my bags in my room I was taken to the municipal compin (ground) which is shared by Sante Fe, Millionarios and the University club, to see the big game of the day. There I got another shock, it was the match in which Franklin and Mountford were making their initial appearance and there was an excited mob of folk seething round the entrance in complete and glorious disorder, pushing and shoving like a Rugby scrum. The few police who were about didn’t seem to take any notice and we literally had to force our way through the crowd to get to the players entrance. Several times I thought my coat was going to be torn of my back. At last we made it, almost gasping for breath.
Big Fence
But the day’s disillusionment was far from being over. When we got on the stand I saw there was a huge wire fence all the way round the ditch about 12 to 14 feet high. I didn’t need two guesses as to why it was there. The interpreter confirmed my worst fears. “Yes” he said, “that is to keep the spectators from invading the pitch or throwing missiles at the players. Nice sort of sportsmen they must be, “I thought –but didn’t say it out loud. I discovered later that even this fence does not keep the more determined spectators off the field. How they get over goodness only knows but they did. Sometimes a dozen or so hardy spirits scale the wire and dash on the field to take part in the free fights which so often arise in needle matches. Nobody seems to worry very much about it. It is all accepted as part and parcel of Colombian football. But you can easily imagine that it isn’t very much to the taste of English folk. Taking my eyes off the fence I discovered that there was a armed policeman, complete with rifle and ammunition, every few yards along the touchline right around the field. “This place gets more matey every minute.” I thought –but again I didn’t say it out loud.
Butts in the Back
I have never seen or heard of a policeman having fired his rifle, I don’t even know whether they are loaned during the match. I have, however, seen them using the butts to dig recalcitrant spectators in the small of the back when they refuse to leave the field. Sometimes they are used in a similar ay to separate players who have got to blows and won’t listen to the referee. Prior to the big match a boy’s game occupied the waiting time. After about 45 minutes of this the players at last came on to the field. You never saw such a fuss in all your life. They dashed about one touch-line to the other waving to the crowd and shouting remarks which obviously I couldn’t understand. The crowd also cheering frantically scene was indescribable. This went on for several in minutes, what time fully a score of photographers were darling about taking snaps of all and sundry. During all this, Franklin and Mountford, who had certainly had a “rousing reception”, stood bewitched, and bewildered, looking as though they didn’t know whether they were on their heads or their heels. No wonder! At last the hubbub died down and the game began. And what a start. I had never seen anything like it before, though I saw plenty later. Honestly I don’t think the ball went out of the centre circle for fully two minutes. They passed and re-passed at lugged with it, and generally fiddled about in a way entirely foreign to us in this country.
Handing On
I should explain here, by the way that tackling or charging as we know it is not allowed in Colombian football and there is no law of obstruction. Consequently any player can hang on to the ball and keep interposing his body between it and his opponents, thus retaining it in the possession far longer than he can under our rules. George Mountford never got a pass for 40 minutes. Then just before half-time the ball came over and he flung himself at it to head a spectacular goal. The crowd cheered him to the echo, but several times I had heard a shout of “malo” where Franklin was concerned; I asked the interpreter what that meant, though the tune of it gave me a pretty good idea, it is the Colombian for “bad.” Apparently Frankin was not coming up to expectation, I was hardly surprises at that, for the defensive formation out there is vastly different to what it is in England and obviously Franklin was finding it a problem, apart altogether from the fact that was getting no cover from the men alongside him. He did as well as anybody possibly could under the circumstances, but spectators around him continued murmuring “malo” several times.
Higgins will continue his story next week when he will compare the style and playing standards of Colombian and English football. He will also tell of his own playing experience.

POTTS TOO ANXIOUS
October 23, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Charlton Athletic 2, Everton 1
By Stork
With a better acquaintance of what is required by his colleagues I forecast hat Harry Potts will have a successful time with Everton. “I was naturally anxious and wanted to do well,” he said to me after the game, “but you know what” it is when you are in that frame of mind.” Of course I do. But I saw enough in his play to realize that with more knowledge of his clubmates play he will fit. While the result was justified there were moments late on when Everton almost snatched a point. Prior to that, however, Charlton were the more forceful and the more likely scorers, for most times they were round the Everton goalmouth, but were unable to hit the ball to the back of the net. It was at this phase of the game that Charlton fell down. Twice they hit the woodwork, many more times they had golden opportunities to beat Burnett, but their finishing was poor. Everton’s first half display left much to be desired. They could not match the hard tackling Londoner’s half backs, and Shreeve and Lock, and particularly Bartram were never in much difficulty. On the other hand Charlton with the chances at their disposal should have had a commanding lead at the interval, instead of a solitary goal, and I say this in spite of Everton’s strong defensive display.
Moore Was Masterly
Charlton whipped the ball far forward on every conceivable occasion, and only hard work by Lindley and his colleagues drove them out. During this time I thought Moore was masterly for he “used” the ball even under the greatest strain, and Burnett was responsible for many fine saves. A charge came over the proceedings early in the second half when the Everton attack produced more yenom and Eglington equalized to negative Forbes’ first half goal. Both goals were akin in their making. Forbes drive hit the near post en route; Eglington’s went to the back of the net via the far post. Could Everton hold a point? That seemed to be their mission, for they did little to segment that goal until late on after Vaughan had shot through after a tussle in the Everton goalmouth. Everton framed some lovely attacks by high-class combination and near the end McIntosh almost pulled the game out of the fire when he made a header of shot power, but the ball went straight to Bartram ‘s waiting hands. Twice Everton had the ball in the net through Buckle and McIntosh, and on each occasion the referee signaled offside. I thought he was justified each time. There was a lot of clever football the bulk of it by Everton, but there is still the lack of finality near goal. The defence battled heroically.

EVERTON RES 1 ASTON VILLA RES
October 23, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
One of the main features in this drawn Central league game at Goodison Park on Saturday was the fine display of O’Neill and Jones, the respective goalkeeper’s, who were frequently in action. Both teams played attractive football, and Moss the visitors’s centre-half was responsible for breaking up many dangerous Everton attacks. Smith (A.R) in the seventy-fifth minute, gave the Villa the lead, and five minutes later Lewis equalized.
• Everton “A” 6, Formby 2

EIGHTH DEFEAT
October 23, 1950. The Liverpool Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
The presence of newcomers Harry Potts, brought no change in Everton fortunes for they suffered their eighth defeat when going down 2-1 at Charlton Athletic, after showing a glimmer of hope of accomplishment early in the second half. The Blues are still two points ahead of Chelsea, and one better off than Sheffield Wednesday, but they are only four points away from the top half of the table positions. That three remains plenty of room for improvement is obviously from the Charlton showing of which colleague Radar comments; “The main point arising out of the game, which Charlton would have won more easily had they taken their chances, but which Everton undeservedly could have drawn, was that Harry Potts is going to require a week or two before he fits in with the tactical ideas of his new colleagues. It was an uncommonly quiet debut for Potts, for he was not as fast as when at his best with Burnley, and it was obvious that with or without the ball his main difficulty was that he could not quite make up his mind how his co-forwards would re-act. “The brightest features for Everton were the goalkeeping of George Burnett, who clearly has regained his confidence and who was right on top of his work; Grant’s infectious enthusiasm in attack and defence and the masterly creative touches of Fielding especially when in the second half, the attack awoke to its responsibities. Eglington neutralized Forbes’ goal with a great left footer, and the Blues almost got another when Fielding let go a near replica of the shot which, however, swerved outside. Charlton deserved their win over a side for whom Moore was the more solid back; Farrell lacked his usual command, and in which Buckle’s unorthodox methods might easily have brought more goals.”
• Woods the Everton half-back, who is now a gunner in the Artillery

SKILL DID NOT PAY
October 23, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
That class does not always tell was made manifest at Charlton on Saturday where Everton’s better quality football gave way to a score forceful type of game exploited by the Athletic. The shortage road to goal was Charlton’s motto and it paid then a handsome divided. Had they taken they full chances the points would have been in their safe keeping at the interval whereas they had to battle right to the end to prevent Everton from snatching a point. Everton went close to bringing that on in the last ten minutes and should have done when McIntosh headed straight at Bartram instead of away from him. But the result was a just one (write Stork). Charlton were more “live” than Everton whose first half display was not encouraging for their attack was too easily handled by the opposition whose stern tackling cut combination out of Everton’s curriculum. Bartram during that period had little to do but take back passes from his colleagues. They made one pass to where Everton needed two, aye, sometimes three. The Charlton people extolled the clever Everton combination but were mighty pleased that games were won on goals points and not on a points valuation. They were content to let Everton take the praise for better class football so long as their lads took the balance of goals. It was straight-forward football that brought the Athletic their two valuable points. It should have brought them a much more convincing win had their forwards taken full toll of their chances, but they were poor near goal. Not so poor as Everton, however, who left their best to the second half when the Athletic should have been sitting with a nice handy lead. Twice Charlton hit the woodwork and Burnett defied them with some top-class saves, so instead of sitting pretty at the interval they had the mortification of seeing Everton equalize almost immediately on the restart. Everton were much better in the second half, for they were finding their men with more accuracy and twice had the ball in the Charlton net for both of them to be judged offside. The last ten minutes were testing for Charlton, but they managed to survive and so collected two valuable points. You will want to know how Everton’s £20,000 forward performed. I am not one to cast judgment on one showing. Potts had a heavy burden to carry and was naturally anxious to do well. Furthermore, he was new to the requirements of his colleagues but with better knowledge of what is expected of him, I feel sure he will fit the bill. He pulled out some nice passes but those who expected him to score a bagful of goals were doomed to disappointment – he never got the chance of a crack at goal. Once again the honours go to the defence which stood up well to heavy pressure which Charlton brought to bear. I though Moore was outstanding, for he was never flurried, always thoughtful with his clearance and is an international in embryo. Lindley gave another fine display and the two wing half backs worked themselves to a standstill. Burnett’s catching of the ball was grand. He clutched them as securely as a slip fielder. The forward were good up to a point, Perhaps a trifle too academic. They brought the finer arts to the game without carrying it a stage further to the opposition goalkeeper, Bartram had perhaps three saves to make –not nearly enough in 90 minutes football which is ample proof that the Everton attack still lacks penetration. Charlton have two fine wingers in Kiernan and Hurst, the former a particularly good footballer. He made the opening goal for Forbes, the Vaughan goal being in the nature of a snap shot from a full goalmouth. Eglington’s goal was a scorcher, Fielding and McIntosh making the opening.

EVERTON SUFFER ANOTHER BLOW
October 27, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Everton manager Cliff Britton received a further setback in his efforts to weld together a settled eleven when it was learned yesterday, that Maurice Lindley, who has been filling the centre-half back position in recent matches, has a fractured right foot and will be out of the game for at least three weeks. With Catterick and Wainwright still unfit to play Lindley’s misfortune makes Everton’s task of team selection a difficult problem. Lindley hurt the foot in the home match against Bolton Wanderers a fortnight ago and although it troubled him, he played at Charlton last week. Yesterday the player had the injury X-rayed and the fracture was revealed. Signed by Everton in February 1936, when with Barnoldswick Town, Lindley did not get a senior outing with Everton before the war-time football, particularly at Centre-half back.

EVERTON SEEK FIRST HOME WIN FOR TWO MONTHS
October 27, 1950. The Evening Express
Harry Potts’ Debut
Two of the youngest centre-half backs in the First Division, and both named Jones, will be in opposition at Goodison park tomorrow, when Everton entertain Manchester United, with Harry Potts making his home debut. Tommy E. Jones, the 20-tyear-old Everton product from S. Margaret’s (Anfield), deputises for the injured Lindley, this being his third first team appearance for he played in both-games Arsenal. This is Everton’s only change. Deputy for the injured Chilton for United will be 17-year-old Mark Jones a native of Barnsley, who will be having his second first team game. Jones is the heaviest player on the United books, being 14st, and 6ft 1in. Not since Everton beat Middlesbrough on the first Wednesday of the season have the fans had a victory to cheer at Goodison; in fact since then Everton have gained draws with Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers. What is more, since three goals were rattled in against Middlesbrough, the Everton supporters have seen only four home goals, but you can rest assured that the home debut of Potts will put a few thousands on the attendance, despite the fact that Everton lost at Charlton last Saturday. The United are one of the most attractive sides in the League, for they have a galaxy of international stars, led by Johnny Carey, one of the finest full backs playing and yet who is a converted forward. There are the brilliant forwards Stan Pearson, Jack Rowley, and Jimmy Delaney, while recently signed Harry McShane is a Scot who has solved Manager Matt’s Busby’s most pressing problem. The United have not won at Goodison since the war; in fact they have gained only two points here to Everton’s six. The willingness to shoot with only half chances might enable to slip just a little bring Everton some dividends, and father away from the danger positions in a match starting at 3.0 p.m. Everton; Burnett; Clinton, Moore; Grant, Jones (T.E.), Farrell; Buckle, Fielding, McIntosh, Potts, Eglington. Manchester United; Allen; Carey, Aston; Gibson, Jones, Cockburn; Deleney, Bogan, Rowley, Pearson, McShane.
Everton Res (at Leeds); Leyland; Saunders, Rankin; Cross, Forshaw, Bentham; Tilson, Hold, Hickson, Hampson, Parker.

ANOTHER EVERTON BLOW
October 27, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Lindley’s Misfortune
Fractured Foot May Keep Him Out For Three Weeks.
Stork’s Notes
With Manchester United, although holding a high position in the table, having slipped somewhat from the high standard they have set themselves since the war, Everton will be reasonably confident of gaining both points when the clubs meet at Goodison Park tomorrow. United will not be easy to beat but, with Morris and Mitten missing from the forward line which was the terror of every defence in the land some seasons back the luster of the side is slightly dimmed, and Everton who would have expected nothing less than defeat a couple of seasons ago, now have a fair chance of victory. With international centre half Chilton unfit Manchester United gave 17-year-old Mark Jones his second game in league football. Jones 6ft 1in in height was signed from a Barnsley junior club twelve months ago and deputized for Chilton against Sheffield Wednesday on the day of the international at Belfast. Cockburn returns to left half after injury and Bogan replaces Downie at inside right. Just as things were coming right another blow has hit Everton, Maurice Lindley, who has been filling the centre half back position in recent matches has a fractured right foot and will be out of the game for at least three weeks. Lindley hurt the foot in the home match with Bolton Wanderers a fortnight ago, and although it troubled him he played at Charlton last week. Yesterday the player had the injury X-rayed and the fracture was revealed. Falder is down with an injured ankle and Humphreys has an attack of rheumatism. T.E. Jones will take the injured Lindley’s place, otherwise the side is the same as that which played at Charlton last week. Everton; Burnett; Clinton, Moore; Grant, Jones (T.E.), Farrell; Buckle, Fielding, McIntosh, Potts, Eglington. Manchester United; Allen; Carey, Aston; Gibson, Jones, Cockburn; Deleney, Bogan, Rowley, Pearson, McShane.

POTTS AND T.E.JONES
October 28, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
First home appearance of Harry Potts of Everton at Goodison Park today will bump the gate to the 60,000 and more region and may well make all the difference to the Everton attack. Unhappily, Maurice Lindley fractured a bone in his foot at Charlton last week and is that is the only change of the side. His deputy at centre-half is T.E. Jones who played so well at Highbury in the League debut, gets his third Division one chance.

EVERTON WELL BEATEN AFTER RALLY GAVE PROMISE OF GOALS
October 28, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton 1, Man Utd 4
By Contact
There were moments when Manchester United seemed to have lost their flair for winning matches by superlative, fluent football, but before the end they were performing spectacularly as ever. Everton, after being a goal down, got level and at times played good football; if not particularly effective stuff. Everton; Burnett, goal; Clinton and Moore, backs; Grant, Jones (T.E.) and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Buckle, Fielding, McIntosh, Potts and Eglington, forwards. Manchester United; Crompton, goal; Carey and Aston, backs; Gibson, Jones (M.) and Cockburn, half-backs; Deleney, Bogan, Rowley, Pearson and McShane, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Houston (St. Annes-on-Sea).
Pott’s first home appearance with Everton coinciding with the fixture against Manchester United, meant a gate of 60,000. Two members of the Jones clan T.E. Jones, of Everton and Mark Jones, both centre-halves, had further chance to make the Division 1 grade, and it became an old-time United with faithful servant Crompton in goal in place of the injured Allen. From the back, with his light hair showing up, Potts is like a second edition of Cliff Britton in looks. The weather was perfect when Potts came to the centre line with eagerness to be off, spat on his hands, and shaped up with Everton in their onslaught on the park end goal. A nicely timed and turned inward pass by McIntosh was dangerous until Crompton started quickly from goal to beat the oncoming Fielding, who is hardly built to nip in sharply for such chances. Thus early we had evidence of Carey’s arts and crafts –some beautifully balanced actions and thoughts to extricate himself from trouble. Everton were playing good stuff and were immeasurably more confident remembering they were playing a side of top class. Rowley’s pass to the in-running Delaney was perfection and the Everton defence was completely stumped except for the last moment intervention by T.E. Jones.
Ringing the Changes
An Everton free kick by Farrell in the centre circle went direct to Crompton who was so hampered by Potts he released his grip on the ball and Potts won a corner, and might readily have won a spectacular goal with the goalkeeper out of position. Delaney was wandering and so were the United inside forwards and it was difficult to place the United centre forward at any given moment. They rang the changes so effectively that the Everton defence needed to cover up with great determination to prevent a goal. United’s Jones was performing excellent and now banged a headed pass to his own goalkeeper with the aplomb of a veteran. The oddest thing seen at the ground for a long time came when Eglington mistiming his intended pass to Fielding, had second thoughs, and in a flash pivoted and hit in a wonderful shot from a standing start. Crompton – remembering the element of surprise about the shot –did well to ease it over the bar. Carey was having the better of his struggle with Eglington and at this moment began to play Eglington at his own game and got away with it.
Forward Fluency
United forward fluency was something Everton found hard to combat and when Rowley went out side left and Pearson glanced a header towards the far side of the net, the ball beat the post by a matter of inches. Everton escaped in one particularly long United raid in which the referee missed a flagrant offence which might have cut short Everton’s moments of stress. What Everton shooting there was , was so high and wide as to be incapable of giving Crompton anything to do. That Potts is not yet au fait with his co-forwards was proved when he and Fielding went for the same ball but Fielding made the “new boy” an outside left for the moment and when all was set for an effective centre Potts misjudged the whole thing. United went ahead at 33 minutes with an easy goal from Rowley when they seemed no special danger. Pearson at inside left, and not far from the centre of the field, lobbed the ball to the scorer, who standing about 12 out, tapped with the flat of his left foot to the spot where Burnett could not be. United were twice the side after this life-giving success, and Everton with ample opportunities on the wings, just could not produce the ball to beat Ashton or Carey and gibe their own forwards a chance. Burnett caught and held Rowley’s fiercest shot, and now the Manchester side began to run things round an Everton who had lost much of their steam.
Half-time; Everton nil, Manchester Utd 1.
The second half had gone one minute when Everton equalized. McIntosh the scorer, began and completed the incident. First he won a corner when all alone and having no one to place in possession, then as Buckle in swinging corner kick came swirling in he beat Crompton to the ball with his head and rammed it home for a joyous goal. After Deleney had all but put Manchester ahead again with a shot which swung past the goal angle, McIntosh from Fielding, was just too late to reach the ball before Crompton came out to make a headlong save.
Roars From The Crowd
The game in this way livened up afresh and whereas in the first half there had been a great quiet from the Everton folk there was now an almost unceasing roar of encouragement, which a wonderful volley by Fielding which struck the post and bounded away, only served to make more intense. Such enthusiasm there has not been here for seasons. In face of Everton’s ferociousness, both Ashton and Carey in turn showed complete nonchalance but McIntosh, who was playing superlatively, almost took a leading goal with a contortionist header from a square Eglington centre. Then Burnett pushed round the post in first-rate style a shot by Cockburn which had the added threat of coming through the ruck and therefore, might well have deceived a goalkeeper less alert. T.E. Jones was now playing wonderfully well, and Everton were so set alight as to be almost unrecognizably good. One of Everton’s most meritorious moves produced a long-distance low shot from McIntosh which Crompton collected safely and then for once Eglington rounded Carey at speed and delivered a smashing shot which Crompton stopped with an out-stretched right arm. It seemed certain the ball would spin over the line but before that could happened Crompton turned and retrieved the situation as though he did that sort of thing every day. Everton were one down against at 62 minutes and though strictly speaking it was an own-goal affair, credit must go to Rowley. His shot was well on the way to a goal when Jones (T.E) standing almost on the line, volleyed the ball on to the head of Moore, who was coming back as fast as he could to try to save the situation. The result was a rebound from Moore’s head to the back of the net, and Jones’s clearance was going so fast it was hardly surprising he was knocked out by the force of the blow. Buckle dug up a heading chance for Fielding, but Compton collected the ball with no special difficulty. An angled shot by Fielding was also fielded quite adequately. Burnett’s contribution was to be on the right spot to receive a Pearson header when all seemed lost and 3-1 seemed likely. Most laughable incident was McShane’s deliberate help-yourself header to Rowley, whose terrific shot travelled so far over the bar that someone in the top tier of the park goalmouth made his goalkeeper’s catch before he returned the ball to the field of play. United in the lead again were a different side, and the game swung their way again. United, who were now almost irresistible, although Everton had occasional moments of menace went 3-1 up at 75 minutes with a headed goal by Pearson, the merest defection –but it sufficed – of a shot by McShane. Burnett had no chance with this one.
Potts Has Thin Time
Potts, who had chased himself without cessation in the first half in an effort to be there when centres came across was having a thinninsh time and United were playing cheeky football of the kind which characterized their play in the happier seasons. A though pass by McIntosh to Eglington who was speeding towards inside left created a storm in which Everton demanded and were refused a penalty. McIntosh’s pass beat Mark Jones and Eglington had taken the ball from the hands of Crompton as he came out when the goalkeeper collided with him and sent him sprawling. Three minutes before the end Everton suffered the greatest goal indignity of all. A shot by full back Ashton from 39 to 40 yards out, sneaked passed Burnett in the gloaming. Final; Everton 1, Manchester United 4.

DIRTY LOOKS AND LAUGHTER AS I TRAIN ALONE AT BOGOTA
October 28, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Billy Higgins
In an Interview with Ranger
I have already told you some of the almost unbelievable aspects of Colombian football as compared with the English variety, but there are plenty more. Some of these strange things are doubtless due to the difference in temperaments between our two races and in particular I think this is so in the Colombian attitude to training. Training as we know it here, just doesn’t exist out there. In this country the majority of football league professionals train pretty hard at least three days of the week, and sometimes oftener. Their preparation is properly organized by experts, and either the manager or trainer, sometimes both, are always in the spot to see that it is carried out rigorously. You don’t get much chance to dodge the column, even if you want to which is not the case with the vast majority of English players. Colombian training is about the most happy-go-lucky and haplanid thing I’ve ever seen. My first day of it was a real eye-opener. Actually I had been in Bogota three days before I got a chance to do any training although I was bursting to get down to it as soon as possible. After being deposited in a boarding-house and seeing Franklin and Mountford make their debut, as related last week, nobody from the club came near me until the third day. You can imagine how I felt. Then one morning a director arrived at my digs. He could speak just as much English as I could Spanish, which was nil but by signs he indicated I was to go for some training. After calling at the club head-quarters for gear we went by car to the ground. To my amazement I found I was the only player there. The director tossed me a ball and left me to it. Obviously there wasn’t much I could do, but what I did seemed to please him for he smiled expansively and patted me on the back.
No Direction
Next day they called for me again. This time there were about 18 players at the ground mostly Argentineans, but some Peruvians, Uruguayans, one Brazilian and one Colombian – a regular League of Nations gathering. This was supposed to be a training session. It was actually the most comical thing I’ve seen of its kind. It would have broken the heart of Harry Cooke, the Everton trainer. There was nobody in charge, and the players did just as they liked. Half of them were lying on the ground in the sun, and the rest were either chin-wagging or shooting-in, in the most aimless fashion imaginable. I soon sensed that I was up against it, in more ways than one. It was clear that I was going to get no co-operation from the other players, particularly the Argentinians who looked daggers at me. “I didn’t know at the time, but I discovered later that the Argentines “cracks” as they call them, were the first players imported into Bogota and had become accustomed to being lionized and fussed over. They did not relish the arrival of players from England, fearing that their own supremacy in Colombian football might be jeopardized. As nobody made any effort to indulge in ball practice with me I saw that the only thing was to do what I could on my own. I started lapping the ground then do some sprinting and body exercise, and finally collared a ball and had a go with that.
Dirty Looks
While all this was going on, I was subjected to a succession of dirty looks and some laughter, I guess they thought I was crackers, but I carried on and tired to take no notice. On top of what I had experienced on the day of my arrival however, It wasn’t I very encouraging. Already I was beginning to wonder whether I had made a mistake in shaking the dust, of had made a mistake in shaking the dust of had made a mistake in shaking the dust of Liverpool off my feet. I soon found further evidence to prove that I had. I went round the next day to see Franklin and Mountford, who were staying at the best hotel in Bogota. It is as good as any we have in this country. It ought to be for I was told that it was costing over £100 a week for the Stoke lads which their club (Santa Fe) was paying. When I informed them what I was up against they suggested I should throw in my lot with Santa Fe, as so far I had not completed any contact with the Millionarios club. Santa Fe would be prepared to refund my passage money to Millionarios and probably give me better terms. This was tempting and I would have liked to be with the two Stoke players, but I feel that I had some sort of obligation to Millionarios and despite the cold attitude which the other players had adopted towards me, I later told the club that I was prepared to sign the contract if they would increase my remuneration to something nearer what I could get from Santa Fe. I should make it clear that up to now, I had not received any payment from Millionarios. I had gone out without getting any part of my signing-on fee. Eventually the club agreed to increase their originally offer to $3,000 dollars to 4,000 and the monthly pay from 600 to 700 pesos. That sounded fairly good to me. Perhaps it would have been if I had got it. Unfortunately the increased terms were not incorporated in the contact which had already been drawn up, but were embodied in a letter been drawn up, but were embodied in a letter although the terms of this were supposed to have been translated to me. I found out –too late – that the additional sums were subject to certain restrictions which left the option with the club whether they would pay them or not. In view of all that happened afterwards perhaps I could hardly expect them to pay the whole amount, even though it was no fault of mine, that I was not able to give them he service they had hoped for. No centre forward can succeed if he is completely and literally starved by conspiracy of his colleagues, and that is what happened to me. I also had another disappointment over my contract. I was given to understand that it contained a promise to pay the fares out to Bogota, of my wife and two children. When they were over there I was informed that only my wife expenses were covered, and that I had to pay for the Children myself. This, however did not take place until some two months later in the interim, I was getting a bit worried, as I had not received any portion of my signing-on fee, and I knew my family had not enough to keep them any length of time without my support. After seeing the directors several times, I managed to get a proportion of the money, actually well under half, which I was able to send home. In last week’s article I told you how difficult Neil Franklin in found it to settle down to the Colombian style of play in his opening game. Their defensive system is very different from the British pattern. The right half play in a position approximating to that of our right back, their right back is called a “centre back” and plays in the centre half position, here while the left back and left half remain as we place them. The centre half is expected to play an attacking game. He has a roving commission to go whenever he likes, and is not expected to mark anybody closely. He approximates fairly closely to our inside forward. It will be pretty obvious from this that Franklin found he was expected to play a type of game entirely foreign to his formal procedure which accounts for the fact that he did not immediately settle down in his first match. Colombian football is much slower than our voracity. The man in possession is the only one to count for the moment. Instead of running into a vacant spaces, in readiness for a pass the rest of his colleagues stand about waiting to see what he will do. Sometimes one player will hand on to the ball for a couple of minutes, twisting this way and that without hardly moving a yard, but just interpassing his body between the ball and his opponents. As tackling and chagrining are taboo. It is sometimes difficult to dispossesses a man under such circumstances. As goalkeepers cannot be challenged at all even when in possession, it is quite a common thing to see them catch the ball and then stand with it for quite an appreciable time, looking round the field to see where best to place it. In England, the goalkeeper’s first duty is to clear his lines as quickly as possible and get the ball as far away from his charge as he can. Colombian goalkeepers often roll the ball to a full back standing on the six-yards line. Even then it may not be looted up-field. The back may take it into his head to do a spot of dribbling before he gets it away.
A further article in this series will appear next week.

LEEDS RES V EVERTON RES
October 28, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Leeds Utd Res;- Scott, goal; Ross and Hair, backs; McCabe, Frost and Barker, half-backs; Harrison, Jones, Kirk, Hargreaves, and Tyrer, forwards. Everton Res; Leyland, goal; Saunders and Rankin, backs; Cross, Forshaw, and Bentham, half-backs; Gibson, Hold, Hickson, Hampson, and Parker, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.F. McLoughlin (Manchester). Facing the wind, Everton were kept busy defending. Only find goalkeeping prevented Leeds from scoring on several occasions. After 35 minutes Everton unexpectedly took the lead. Hold placing the ball into the net in one of their occasional breakaways. Everton went into the attack, Parker forcing a corner from which Hold beat Scott with a smart goal. Though Leeds fought back Leyfield cleared well for Everton to again resume the offensive. Frost made a great effort for Leeds, going half the length of the field before being crowded out. Full Time; Leeds Res 0, Everton Res 2.

MATT BUSBY HAS BEENGAZING AGAIN
October 30, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 1, Manchester United 4
By Leslie Edwards
Manchester United, they say, are not the side they were, but once they sensed this game was their’s they were a fair imitation of the machine they used to be. The most lasting impression of this most excellent game was of figures in red switching positions as though they were on rails at Clapham Junction. The master-signalman, who worked the levers with sure touch was of course their manager, Matt Busby, whose assessment of football ideas, and of men to put them into practice, puts him in the crystal-gazing class. McShane of Bolton, languished on the transfer list with no rush for his services. Busby stepped in and clamped on to his attack, a man more practical than Bogota pound Mitten and one who fits as comfortably as Saturday’s 50,000 fitted Goodison Park. Next Busby introduced 20-year-old Gibson a fine figure of a right half back and 17-year-old Mark Jones (and right well did we mark him). With Crompton recalled to goal we had a reconstituted United which assuredly became the better side. It hardly by four goals to one. Busby has his players go one better than the inter change between centre forward and inside partner or winger. There were times when Delaney and the wandering Rowley (but the passes still found him) and Pearson and Bogan sped so fast and so surely into the open space of the Everton defence they looked like quicksilver running through a colander. Fortunately Everton’s T.E. Jones and some good covering by Moore held out almost until the end; then became a case of three of four quick passes, between United forwards the big shot (one of them so high and fierce it made a goalkeeper’s catch for a second-tier spectator) and the likelihood that Everton would trail still further behind as they did.
Fifty-Fifty Hours
Lest this gives as impression that Everton never had chances of winning let me put on record my view that for an hour, at least, no one could say which way the match would jump. Everton played well enough to have scored two, if not three times from movements such as we have seen from them only rarely recently. Potts was near a goal with a Stubbins back-flick; Fielding who shot well all though, hit the post with a swerving crackajack; worse Eglington’s best left-foot contribution was topped by the out-stretched arm of Crompton, who went on to pick up the ball with joyous aplomb as it became ready to pass on over the line. Everton claimed (and with case) a penalty when Crompton crossed the flying Eglington, who had beaten him to the ball and sent him sprawing. Everton chairman, Mr. Dicky Williams takes these blows philosophically, as one would expect, and keeps them in true, perspective when assessing them against the weight of Manchester United evidence which was incontrovertible. United goals were odd, none more so than the last, when Aston’s venture-some through the centre shot found a way beyond Burnett. The explanation? Delaney had edged the ball, artfully, off course, late in its “life” Rowley’s side of the foot direction-finding for the first was prime and an example of quick thinking and this second came after some starting cannonades between Moore and Jones T.E –and the unkindest things was that Everton defenders afterwards swore the shot was travelling wide.
McIntosh Best
McIntosh, Everton’s best forward really set Everton alight with his headed goal from Buckle’s in swinging corner, and in the rare moments of inspiration which followed Everton went desperately near to taking the lead. Once Pearson had glanced the ball home from his head (or face?) for the lead again Everton struggled, and with promise, but when three parts of the game had gone so had Everton’s chances. In newsprint were more plentiful and local support less intense I would spare a half column of space to that best double turn of all. Carey and Aston. They rival Albert Whelan, who saw this match, for individuality timing and longevity. It is not (like Whelan) what they do, but how they do it which so appeals to friends and foe. They are footballers above all, who make their own sure pace in this day and age of tear away tactics I have yet to see them add an ornate extra touch to their many triumphs against wingers. They do precisely what is required; no more. Even so, Buckle, and Eglington both had their moments; notably in the first half. The pity was they could not find the always up and ready “Potts” with the ball and quite naturally Potts, towards the end, suffered for these long and enthusiastic upfield excursions. Yet he timed his headers well, got up to the ball splendidly and was refreshingly direct. I am sure he will succeed in the way he must to justify Everton’s and our belief in him. And with more experience and better positioning young Mr. Jones T.E. looks like being a rare dash at centre half. England searching so earnestly for her centre forward might be advised to pin her faith to Rowley. Admittedly he has two fine forwards to work with he still looks to me to be the most competent centre of all. Everton lost these points, beyond doubt in the end, but their outlook, on this showing, is not nearly so unpromising. Fortunately for them not all home fixtures are against sides who can weave the magic spells of the Matt Busby organization.

DOUBLE FOR HOLD
October 30, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Leeds United Res 0, Everton Res 2
Although Hickson at centre forward was the Everton Reserves’ spearhead in the Central League game at Leeds on Saturday, it was the marksmanship of Hold which won them the points. He scored both goals one in each half after Leeds had failed to make the most of their chances. Parker was also often in the picture for Everton.
• Marlborough 5, Everton “B” 2

SCORE FLATTERED
October 30, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Man under the microscope at Goodison Park was Harry Potts (writes Contacts). It is no pleasant thing to be examined minutely, even in the football sense by 50,000 pairs of eyes. Many professed a tinge of disappointment, others were well satisfied, reasoning that no player can fit perfectly into a new picture on more than a few weeks understanding of players alongside. As I saw him Potts did not last the course as well as ordinarily because he had gone to extreme lengths to be upfield for the centre or pass in the first half. His heading was good, his ideas were good, and twice at least he was near to getting a goal. Against less talented opponents than Manchester United he would undoubtedly have been seen to greater advantage. The truth about Manchester United is that they are still a very great team when the spirit moves them as it did three-parts through this game when they took a leading goal for the second time. Their confidence their sureness of touch and their amazing interchanges of position then made Everton look almost as if they were standing still. The score says Manchester United won 4-1 but actually that was a too convincing margin. It indicates only McIntosh’s goal, whereas Crompton was fortunate in a save against Eglington ad also when a Fielding shot thumped a post. There was, too, a slight penalty incident when Crompton hit Eglington for six after Eglington had won a race for possession. Everton were at their best in the first half and particularly in the opening minutes of the second when all things seemed possible if they could have snatched the lead. Instead United went ahead again and never looked back. Both Eglington and Buckle can be said to have done well against full-backs like Carey and Aston who make a game watchable for their own contributions alone. Unhappily when the Everton wingers were so obviously trying to place their centres on the right spot they did no such thing and the good approaches of McIntosh and Fielding among others were virtually wasted. McIntosh showed himself to be not only a good club centre-forward but a great one and the two Joneses Mark of Manchester and T.E. of Everton, did enough to convince us that it is only a matter of time before each finds a permanent place in League football. At 17 Mark Jones is almost in the same category as Welshman Charles of Leeds United.

LOOKED GOOD
October 30, 1950. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Early in the second half at Goodison I thought it looked good for Everton. They had wiped out Rowley’s leading goal per McIntosh’s cute header off Buckle’s corner, and really had the United on the run. Carey, Crompton and Aston stood defiant for long periods, but then Fielding hit a Pott’s lob on the volley and the ball came back off the upright. That is not all, for Eglington slipped Carey, and moved close in with a shot which struck the near upright and bounced not into the net, but into Crompton’s arms as Crompton swung to face his own goal. Such ill-fortune did not run against United when they obtained the goals which turned the tide. When Moore and Jones tried to cover the Rowley shot, the ball struck them and went in. When McShane shot Pearson was standing stock-still in the goalmouth. The ball struck him in the face and went in. Let us reflect on Aston’s goal. Johnny’s own low shot had Delaney in its path and Jimmy tried to let it go through his legs. As a matter of fact, the ball grazed a leg and so was deflected sufficiently to end whatever chances Burnett had of reaching it. It was not all ill-luck that brought this further defeat to the Blues, for there was no mistaking the superiority of the United once they had survived their testing period, and while Tommy Jones impressed me far more as a potential star than did Mark Jones, I thought the United were much better in defence which made the vital difference. Carey and Aston did just as much to win this game as they did to prevent Everton from winning, and were the finest back combination I have seen this season.
Mac Shines
Aston and Carey were so good that it was only on isolated occasions that Everton were able to raid down the wings, for Everton refused to follow the early example of Peter Farrell in lobbing his pass over Carey’s head to allow Tommy Eglington to chase it. Generally the wingers were served with the pass when on the wrong side of the back, so that a barrier always faced them. What is more, with Fielding and Potts inclined to play too far back, the wingers had few chances of using the short inside ball to get them out of difficulties, and save them the thankless task of trying to beat Carey and Aston by individual skill. The one Everton forward who could escape trouble and secure effectiveness was Jimmy McIntosh. This was a splendid example of thoughtful leadership, for he floated away from Mark Jones as cutely as did Rowley from Tommy Jones – the ruse which brought Jack his first goal. That opening goal took Everton completely off balance, for Stan Pearson had Jackie Grant running around like a dog chasing its tail, as he moved off quite unnoticed to the right wing and flashed across the centre to Rowley, who had moved to an unmarked spot. A splendid example of effective unexpectedness. Fielding had his moments and so did Potts, who I know, can be much more assertive than this. Tommy Jones did exceptionally well against the elusive Rowley, while Moore was rather the better back. That Moore and Clinton did well was emphasized by the fact that Burnett had so few direct shots to stop. It was in practical use of the ball where Eric and Tommy lost their way. Everton, in my opinion, still want thrust and more thrust in attack. It stood out like a sore thumb.

WAINWRIGHT’S PROGRESS
October 31, 1950. The Evening Express
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
There is a district possibility that Eddie Wainwright, the Everton goal scoring inside-right, will be fit to resume next Saturday, when the Blues make their short trip to Bloomfield road, to face Blackpool. Eddie has made excellent progress lately following a knee injury, which was as puzzling as it was troublesome, and in fact, manager Cliff Britton was hoping that Wainwright could have had a trial spin with the team today in the Lancashire Senior Cup at Oldham. Wainwright’s name had “been penciled in,” but Eddie went to see the club specialist to make sure that everything was okay, and the specialist informed Mr. Britton that a few more days would be required. Well, it is a few more days to the Blackpool game and maybe it will work out all right.
Lello
Manager Cliff Britton is a particularly cautious football official, who never says anything until he has turned it over in his mind quite a few times. Cliff states that the injury and illness “bogy” which hit Goodison is not yet over by any means, but he added that Cyril Lello maybe playing again very soon. Lello has recovered from his cartilage operation. Manager Britton said to me; “Lello is fit now, so it should not be long before he is playing some football again.” This I regard as welcome and important news.